---
title: "Seven Tottenham stars who could replace Cristian Romero as captain"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/07/17/seven-tottenham-stars-who-could-replace-cristian-romero-as-captain/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-07-17T13:37:15Z"
modified: "2026-07-17T13:37:20Z"
---

# Seven Tottenham stars who could replace Cristian Romero as captain

**Tottenham Hotspur could face a major captaincy decision this summer, with Cristian Romero attracting interest from Barcelona, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid.**

The Argentina international still has three years remaining on his contract. Spurs are therefore in a strong negotiating position and value him at around £50million.

However, Romero reportedly prefers a move to Spain. Tottenham have also strengthened their defence by signing Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, giving Roberto De Zerbi greater freedom to consider a sale.

According to [Football London](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/seven-tottenham-candidates-take-over-34307627), seven players could enter the captaincy conversation if Romero leaves.

> 🚨🇦🇷 EXCLUSIVE: Cuti Romero to leave Tottenham this summer, Inter held talks with Spurs over recent days.\
> \
> Romero has been offered as option during talks for Djed Spence.\
> \
> Inter keen but costs very high.\
> \
> 🔵🔴 Barça also like Cuti Romero.\
> \
> 🎥 [https://t.co/kTNiTHRWTl](https://t.co/kTNiTHRWTl) [pic.twitter.com/0jripDDK9R](https://t.co/0jripDDK9R)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [July 14, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2077096993629876660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Who could become the next Tottenham captain?

**Micky van de Ven** appears the strongest candidate. The Netherlands defender wore the armband 18 times during Romero’s absences last season and captained the side regularly after De Zerbi arrived.

**James Maddison** has served as vice-captain and remains popular within the squad. His recent ACL injury and uncertain starting role could work against him.

**Andy Robertson** offers the most experience. The Scotland captain won every major club honour with Liverpool and would bring authority to a changing dressing room.

**Pedro Porro** has become one of Tottenham’s most reliable players and recently signed a new long-term contract. His World Cup performances have further strengthened his reputation.

**Jan Paul van Hecke** already understands De Zerbi’s methods after their time at Brighton. Tottenham paid around £52million for the Dutch defender, who developed into a vocal leader before moving to north London.

**Conor Gallagher** previously captained Chelsea during Reece James’ absence. He has leadership experience, although he must secure a regular starting place.

**Sandro Tonali** could also enter the discussion after becoming Tottenham’s first £100million signing. De Zerbi may prefer to let the midfielder settle without immediately adding the captaincy.

As [Read Tottenham reported this week](https://readtottenham.com/2026/07/15/tottenham-transfer-window-2026-talking-points-15th-july/), Spurs have placed a significant valuation on Romero and will not approve a cut-price exit.

Van de Ven currently looks like the natural successor. However, De Zerbi has several credible alternatives if Tottenham lose their captain before the new season.