Tottenham poised to back out of blockbuster £60.5million deal under this one condition

Cristian Romero’s future has been a hot topic at Hotspur Way all summer. With Atletico Madrid strongly linked to the Argentine defender, Spurs had begun to plan for a potential replacement. Zabarnyi emerged as one of the top names on the shortlist, and a deal was beginning to look like a real possibility.

Now, with Romero looking increasingly likely to stay in north London, the logic behind spending over £60 million on another centre-back is under scrutiny. Former Spurs scout Bryan King echoed that sentiment, telling Tottenham News:

“Unless Romero or Van de Ven is leaving, I can’t see the necessity to sign Zabarnyi because they’re quite strong at centre half.”

And he’s not wrong. With Radu Dragusin already in the squad, Ben Davies capable of filling in centrally, and the versatility of Djed Spence and new signing Archie Gray, Spurs aren’t lacking depth in the position.

Let’s be honest, Tottenham splashing £60.5 million on Zabarnyi only makes sense if there’s a Romero-sized hole to fill. If Cuti stays, which now looks likely, that money could (and should) be reallocated elsewhere, whether that’s in midfield, up front, or even at full-back where depth remains a concern.

This isn’t to say Zabarnyi isn’t talented. He absolutely is. But we’ve seen what happens when we throw money at problems we don’t have, see the Solanke situation at Bournemouth as a cautionary tale. Spurs must be smarter now. The club is building a sustainable identity under Postecoglou, and unnecessary signings, no matter how shiny, can derail that momentum.

If Romero stays, Zabarnyi should be a case of ‘admire from afar.’ Save the £60 million for when it’s really needed.