Spurs now ready to let “monster” Romero leave after confirming official talks to sign younger and better €30m star who play better than John Stones
Tottenham Hotspur endured a tumultuous Premier League campaign under the stewardship of new manager Ange Postecoglou last season. Despite encountering myriad challenges, their qualification for the Europa League must be regarded as a triumph. However, there is no respite for the wicked, as the club now faces several months to procure substantial quality reinforcements to propel the team towards securing Champions League berths, especially with vice-captain Cristian Romero recently linked to European behemoths Real Madrid. Fortunately, Daniel Levy and his cohorts have been diligently working behind the scenes. The latest player mooted for a move to N17 might prove to be the ideal replacement and has garnered comparisons to the six-time Premier League champion, John Stones.
In the realm of Tottenham Hotspur transfer news, a recent report from Caught Offside indicates an immense interest from Tottenham Hotspur in securing the services of Bologna’s stellar defender, Riccardo Calafiori. Initial discussions for a potential transfer have already been initiated. Alongside the Lilywhites, the report unveils that several other heavyweights such as Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and Newcastle United are also vying for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the latter already engaging in preliminary discussions for a possible move. A bid in the vicinity of €35 million, approximately £30 million, could potentially seal the deal for the defender. However, it’s reported that Calafiori would prefer a transfer to Juventus, should he depart this summer, to reunite with his former mentor Thiago Motta.
The negotiation process might prove to be intricate, particularly with the prospect of Romero’s departure looming this summer. Therefore, securing Calafiori’s services is imperative for Spurs, as highlighted by the comparisons drawn with Stones, adding another layer of significance to this potential acquisition.
Analyzing how Calafiori measures up against Romero and Stones reveals intriguing insights. Before delving into the comparison with Romero, let’s first examine the parallels with Stones, primarily stemming from data analyst Ben Mattinson’s analysis. Mattinson underscores Calafiori’s knack and willingness to venture into midfield to dictate proceedings, a trait evident from his Serie A heatmap, showcasing significant involvement in the opposition’s half despite his defensive role. This characteristic aligns well with Postecoglou’s tactical preference for a high defensive line and a proactive, quality front-footed defender, as described by Mattinson. The comparison with Romero presents a nuanced view, where Calafiori emerges as a compelling alternative, showcasing strengths in progressive carries, successful take-ons, receiving progressive passes, generating shot and goal-creating actions, blocking passes, making interceptions, winning aerial duels, and recovering possession, all on a per 90 basis. Even if Spurs manage to retain Romero, bringing in a player of Calafiori’s caliber would be a strategic masterstroke, potentially propelling the club back into the upper echelons of the league standings and beyond.
