Spurs ready to launch bid for £70m “beast”, he’s the best Romero replacement out there
While no official announcement has been made by Tottenham Hotspur, strong indications suggest that Brentford boss Thomas Frank is on the brink of being named as the club’s new head coach. The Danish tactician is widely regarded as a logical and stable choice to succeed Ange Postecoglou, particularly given his impressive work with limited resources at Brentford. Since guiding the Bees to the Premier League, Frank has consistently overperformed with a modest squad, instilling a disciplined and effective playing style that has earned plaudits across the league.
Now, Frank seems poised for the next major step in his managerial career, taking the reins at one of the Premier League’s most ambitious and financially equipped clubs. With a summer transfer window expected to bring in a few attacking reinforcements, Spurs fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic about a new era under the Dane’s leadership.
Spurs Already Laying Groundwork for Defensive Overhaul
However, amid all the excitement surrounding Frank’s anticipated arrival, there are growing concerns over the future of one of Tottenham’s key defensive assets — Cristian Romero. The Argentine World Cup winner has been the subject of persistent transfer speculation in recent months, raising the possibility that the club may soon need to find a replacement.
While much of the transfer chatter has focused on bolstering the attack — with names like Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo popping up — the backline is now emerging as a potential area of upheaval. Romero, a cornerstone of Spurs’ defence since his arrival, has recently attracted serious interest from European giants. In early April, Real Madrid were reported to be monitoring his situation, and by late spring, Atlético Madrid appeared to be making a determined push to secure his signature. Reports have even gone as far as claiming the player has held conversations with Atlético boss Diego Simeone, and a fee in the region of £60 million has been suggested.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Spurs’ Potential Long-Term Solution
Given the uncertainty surrounding Romero’s future, Tottenham are now turning their attention to a rising defensive star — Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are weighing up a “bold move” for the young English centre-back as part of their summer transfer plans.
Frank is reportedly a big admirer of Branthwaite and sees him as a key figure in a long-term project aimed at restoring Tottenham to Champions League contention. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders, combining physical dominance with technical poise. However, acquiring his services won’t come cheap — with Everton said to be demanding at least £70 million.
That price tag might seem steep, but if Romero does depart, Branthwaite could be a shrewd investment in the club’s future. Given his age, profile, and the growing market for top-tier English talent, Spurs may view him as an ideal candidate to anchor their defence for years to come.
A Comparative Look: Branthwaite vs. Romero
While fans should temper expectations — Branthwaite is still developing and won’t immediately match the experience and presence of the 27-year-old Romero — a closer examination reveals encouraging signs.
Statistically, the Everton star holds his own impressively against the Argentine. In defensive categories such as blocks, interceptions, and clearances per 90 minutes, Branthwaite actually edges ahead. He also excels in aerial duels, both in terms of volume and win percentage, reflecting his commanding 6-foot-5 frame — a notable physical upgrade over Romero, who stands at 6 foot 1.
Further analysis shows Branthwaite commits fewer fouls, makes fewer costly errors, and is less prone to being dispossessed or miscontrolling the ball. His composure on the ball, combined with his defensive awareness and size, make him a compelling fit for the modern Premier League centre-back role.
Renowned analyst Ben Mattinson has even dubbed him a “ball-playing physical beast” — a glowing endorsement that underlines his potential as both a disruptor and a builder from the back.
Conclusion: An Opportunity for Reinvention?
In a perfect world, Spurs would manage to keep hold of Romero while still landing Branthwaite — forming a formidable partnership that could provide the defensive backbone Thomas Frank needs to build a top-four side. But if Romero does depart, the pursuit of Branthwaite begins to make even more sense. While it would represent a transitional phase in the club’s defensive setup, it could also mark the beginning of a new era built around a younger, more physically imposing, and tactically versatile backline.
Tottenham may be on the cusp of a managerial change, but their ambitions are clear: build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Whether that journey begins with both Romero and Branthwaite — or one replacing the other — the direction is undoubtedly forward.