FC Barcelona would join the race to sign Atalanta defender Cristian Romero, according to the latest news from Italy.
They are trying to recruit one of the best defenders in the world in his age bracket, but it won’t be easy. Tottenham Hotspur are said to be one of the main contenders to secure the 23-year-old.
The Catalans are rumored to have made their first offer to Atalanta and are “serious” about taking a step. However, Barcelona’s payroll problems are well known. They’ll have to get rid of some high income earners to pay Romero’s salary, but it doesn’t seem like it’s impossible if they make the right decisions.
Romero came through the Belgrano youth ranks before joining Genoa in Serie A. Juventus were impressed and acquired him although he loaned him to Genoa in 2019. He was then loaned to Atalanta with a option to buy in 2020. It was at Atalanta where he really shone, earning recognition from many as Italy’s best defender.
Atalanta have not officially used their option to buy from Juventus, but it is widely expected that they will soon. Thus, the clubs will have to negotiate with Atalanta in order to proceed with the purchase.
Romero won the Copa América with Argentina alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero. He suffered from injuries that kept him out of most knockout games, with the exception of the final, which he played on painkillers. Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 with a hard-won clean sheet and a goal from Angel Di María. Messi played the 90s and Agüero was an unused replacement.
–
