"Expensive and not easy" Romano's ironic tidbit signals the end of a Tottenham era

If ever a phrase hit the mark in respect of Tottenham transfers, “Expensive and not easy” would be about right. No club exists that has a one hundred per cent success rate in the markets, but all too often, we’ve bought players who simply didn’t want to really play for us.

Yes, Tanguy Ndombele, I’m thinking of you; however, more recently, both Giovani Lo Celso and Cuti Romero have been obsessed with what they can do for their country.

Romero joined Tottenham on loan from Atalanta in August 2021. He debuted as a late substitute in a 1-0 win over Manchester City on 15 August 2021, and under Antonio Conte he became a cornerstone of a solid back three, contributing to a late-season surge that secured Champions League qualification in 2021/22.

After Son Heung-min’s departure, it was Thomas Frank who named Romero club captain ahead of 2025/26. This was considered a political appointment by some - he had barely any English. Cuti signed a new contract extension to 2029. He contributed goals but also received further red cards and sustained a knee injury in April 2026 that ended his season early.

Then there was the nonsense when he was injured and rehabbing ahead of the 2026 World Cup; he flew home for Belgrano’s title decider instead of staying with the team for their final Premier League match against Everton (a relegation decider).

This sparked major backlash, though he returned for the game. It was seen by many as prioritising personal/national ties over club loyalty.

As of now, he remains at the club, contracted to 2029, but has been linked with a move, notably to Inter Milan (with reports of negotiations around a €50m valuation). Some coverage suggests he is not committed to a long stay.

My take on Cuti

For me, it’s time to churn him, sell and reinvest. I’ve had enough, as the good never outweighed the negative baggage. I also suspect that Cuti’s departure will bring out the lion heart in Micky van de Ven. Fingers crossed the next captain is a proper motivator; I can’t recall that last one, can you?