Romero's Spurs Exit Sealed as Lankshear Says Yes to Boro Move

The summer exodus at Tottenham is gathering pace, with defender Cristian Romero's departure now regarded as inevitable and young striker Will Lankshear closing in on a move away from North London.

Romero's time in white appears to be up. The 2022 World Cup winner endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign hampered by injury, limiting him to a bit-part role in Spurs' plans. Yet his displays for Argentina during this summer's tournament have reignited interest in his services, and it seems his employers have already moved on, having secured replacements in the shape of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown is in no doubt about what comes next. "Romero leaving Tottenham is a certainty at this stage, he's going to move on," he stated. "Tottenham came to the conclusion at the end of last season that they can't rely on him, his performances were too inconsistent and he cost them far too many games."

Brown's assessment suggests Spurs have concluded their defensive options are better served without the Argentina international. "As far as they're concerned, if a good offer comes in for him, they're ready to let him move on and then build their squad without him," he explained.

The destination appears to be taking shape. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have registered interest, with Spain seemingly the most likely landing spot. Brown believes Romero's international connections could prove decisive. "Romero, meanwhile, he's been on international duty speaking to his Argentina teammates, and I have no doubt they have been convincing him to move on," he said. "Most of them play in Spain, where we know there has been interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and that most likely is where he'll end up."

The prospect of reuniting with fellow Argentines holds obvious appeal. "He'll get to reunite with some of his teammates, and by all accounts he is keen to play in Spain, so it's a deal that works for everybody in the end, they all get what they want," Brown added.

Lankshear, meanwhile, has given the green light to a Championship switch. Middlesbrough are poised to complete a £10m deal for the forward, who has accepted the opportunity to develop his craft away from the Premier League spotlight.

Tottenham, however, are not entirely washing their hands of the youngster. The club plans to retain both a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option within any permanent agreement, signalling their continued belief that Lankshear possesses the tools to eventually establish himself at the top level. "Tottenham remain huge admirers of the striker and are not prepared to sever ties completely," sources indicated. "Spurs are expected to insert both a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option as part of any permanent transfer, reflecting the belief within the club that Lankshear still has the potential to develop into a Premier League striker."