Inter Transfer Market: The Only Obstacle to the Argentine Star’s Approval Is Barcelona

Inter Transfer News: One of Argentina’s star players seems to be getting closer and closer to joining the Nerazzurri. What’s more, he’s one of the Albiceleste players who held his head highest after the final against Spain—a match in which so many of his teammates found themselves at the center of fierce criticism. The player in question is Cristian Romero, who would be reunited in Milan with Lautaro Martínez—his teammate at the 2026 World Cup—and for whom Martínez would serve as a significant source of support. Inter’s management seems well on its way to finalizing the deal, with only one threat looming on the horizon: Barcelona.

According to reports from ‘TycSports,’ Inter is currently the clear front-runner to sign Romero, who, in any case, will certainly not be playing for Tottenham anymore. Contacts with the defender’s representatives are imminent, and both sides are fully committed to reaching an agreement. However, Barcelona’s interest in entering the negotiations is equally certain, given that Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick have both already expressed great admiration for the former center back who played for Juventus, Genoa, and Atalanta.

Romero’s market value is around 50 million euros—a significant sum, but one that Inter would be willing to pay, especially if Alessandro Bastoni’s departure were to materialize. The Nerazzurri defender has caught the eye of Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal, which has made a substantial offer to the player to convince him to move to Saudi Arabia. Bastoni had already turned down an offer from the Saudi League in the past, but this time the chances of striking a deal appear more concrete. Should Bastoni leave, Romero would be the ideal candidate to take over on the left side of Inter’s defense.

Competition for the Argentine defender is fierce, however: in addition to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are also reportedly in the running. However, the Lautaro Martínez card could prove decisive for Inter. The Nerazzurri captain has known Romero for years and shares a history with him on the Argentine national team—a bond that could make all the difference when the player makes his final decision.

In terms of character, Romero has proven he is certainly not the type to shy away from difficult moments. During the 2026 World Cup, the defender had already made headlines for incidents that sparked debate: he had responded defiantly to criticism from former Manchester United star Gary Neville, who, during the semifinal against England, had called him part of the “best worst center-back pairing in the world” alongside Lisandro Martinez. “I hope that, when I retire, he won’t be stupid enough to go around criticizing a player. You step onto the field to give it your all, and things can go well or badly. We’re happy to be in the final and to make history,” Cuti had replied with a firm tone.

However, there were also some controversies surrounding him throughout the tournament. Romero is among the players involved in the investigation opened by FIFA regarding the “Las Malvinas son argentinas” banner displayed alongside Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martínez after the semifinal victory over England—a gesture considered a violation of the rules prohibiting political messages. A similar incident in 2014 had cost the Argentine Football Association a fine of 20,000 euros. The outcome of the disciplinary investigation could therefore lead to personal consequences for the defender—a factor that Inter will necessarily have to take into account when finalizing the deal.

Finally, there was a curious incident that helped fuel his media notoriety during the awards ceremony at MetLife Stadium. Romero was the only Argentine player—and the only one at all among the two finalists—who did not shake hands with U.S. President Donald Trump when the medals were being awarded, blatantly ignoring the tycoon’s outstretched hand and continuing down the line of dignitaries. A gesture that made headlines around the world and further defined the profile of a player who, for better or worse, never goes unnoticed.