Report: Barcelona were desperate for Tottenham to sign Romero

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Some Barcelona officials were desperate for Tottenham Hotspur to win the race to sign Cristian Romero following Lionel Messi’s recommendation that the Catalan giants bring him to the Nou Camp, according to a report from The Athletic.

Romero was one of the most talked-about defenders on the market last summer. The Argentinian was named Serie A defender of the year on loan with Atalanta.

And he went on to help his country to the Copa America title. Again, the team of the tournament included Romero.

He clearly made a big impression on Messi. The forward returned to Barcelona imploring the club to sign Romero while he was available.

However, it was Tottenham who landed the 23-year-old. And it seems that some of those working behind the scenes at Barca could not have been more relieved.

According to The Athletic, some of the officials at Barcelona were desperate for Tottenham to sign Romero. It is noted that they wanted Messi to stop pestering them about the former Juventus man.

The Athletic reports that Tottenham will now pay £42.5 million to make his loan deal permanent in the summer.

Paratici has last laugh with Barcelona desperate for Tottenham to sign Romero

Of course, Romero would not be the only player Barcelona and Tottenham would both be involved with last summer. Spurs signed Emerson Royal right at the end of the window.

Reports have claimed that Barca could not believe the fee Tottenham paid for the right-back. And in truth, that is not looking like the best piece of business from Fabio Paratici.

However, it is surely Tottenham who will have the last laugh when it comes to signing Romero ahead of Barcelona.

He is not yet the finished article. He has made some mistakes in recent weeks. But he looks to be a remarkable defender. And he does not even turn 24 until next month. Antonio Conte previously suggested that he is ‘perfect‘ for the Premier League.

Barcelona certainly dropped the ball not listening to Messi when he recommended signing Romero.