Barcelona consider Cristian Romero move as Ronald Araujo exit opens defensive dilemma

Barcelona have revived their interest in Tottenham defender Cristian Romero after reaching a verbal agreement with Liverpool over Ronald Araujo’s season-long loan, with the move forcing the Spanish club to reassess its defensive plans.

Liverpool are expected to have an option to buy Araujo as part of the agreement, which was not among Barcelona’s primary plans before developments in recent hours led to the Uruguay international’s proposed departure.

The decision has prompted sporting director Deco to examine potential replacements, with Argentina defender Romero emerging as one of the leading candidates. Romero has long been admired within Barcelona and is viewed as a player whose physical strength, leadership and ability to defend high up the pitch would suit the club’s requirements.

He is also regarded as capable of playing under pressure, qualities that have kept him on Barcelona’s wider list of targets for some time. Until now, however, his name had remained at the consideration stage rather than being the subject of a serious move. Araujo’s exit has given the possibility of a deal greater urgency.

Romero, 28, is understood to be open to leaving Tottenham, while the Premier League club are prepared to consider offers for him. Inter Milan previously made a strong attempt to sign the defender, with sporting director Piero Ausilio publicly acknowledging that the club had tried to reach an agreement.

Barcelona will face significant competition, particularly from Atletico Madrid. The Madrid club have monitored Romero for a long period and renewed their interest during the current transfer window after an earlier attempt to sign him failed because of Tottenham’s high financial demands.

Atletico have made progress recently, especially in their communications with the player. Reports indicate the club have entered direct negotiations with Tottenham after reaching an initial understanding with Romero over personal terms.

The situation had appeared to be moving towards a transfer to Atletico, but Barcelona’s renewed involvement could change the balance of the race.

Barcelona believe Romero has the experience required to perform at the highest level, as well as the commanding personality and aggressive style that could make him a suitable partner for the club’s younger defenders, including Pau Cubarsi.

The main obstacle remains financial. Cost concerns were previously a reason for Barcelona to favour the possibility of a loan rather than committing to an expensive permanent transfer.

Romero is not the only option under consideration. Barcelona are also continuing to assess other central defenders, including Spain international Aymeric Laporte.

The Athletic Club defender would offer a different profile because he is left-footed, a characteristic valued by the club’s sporting department. His performances at the World Cup, where he formed a defensive partnership with Cubarsi, also increased Barcelona’s interest in him.

Laporte returned to Athletic Club from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr last summer and has a contract with the Spanish side until 2028.

Despite Deco’s desire to explore the market following Araujo’s departure, Barcelona still have several options in their existing squad. That is one reason why manager Hansi Flick remains cautious about whether a new defender is essential.

Cubarsi is currently the leading figure in Barcelona’s defensive plans, while Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Alvaro Cortes can all fill a central defensive role depending on the team’s needs.

Flick is known for trusting young players and giving opportunities to solutions already available within his squad, meaning Barcelona have not yet made a definitive decision to sign another defender.

However, the proposed Araujo deal has brought the club back into the transfer market. Liverpool would cover the player’s entire salary during the loan, giving Barcelona greater room in their wage bill.

With that financial space available, Romero has once again moved up Barcelona’s list of targets. Their emergence as a serious contender could now disrupt Atletico Madrid’s position in what had appeared to be a straightforward pursuit of the Argentina defender.