De Zerbi’s Transfer Revelation: Romero and Vicario Could Head to Inter or Juventus

FolioPitch.com – 31 July 2026 | In a candid revelation that has sent shockwaves through the transfer market, Roberto De Zerbi has opened up about the futures of Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario, with the phrase ‘De Zerbi gives Romero and Vicario for Inter and Juventus I never called him’ now dominating headlines. The Tottenham manager addressed speculation linking the Argentine defender and Italian goalkeeper with moves to Serie A giants Inter and Juventus, clarifying his stance on their potential departures.

Tottenham Hotspur have been the Premier League’s busiest club this summer, splashing out over €250 million on new signings. The club-record acquisition of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United made the midfielder the most expensive Italian footballer of all time for the second time in his career. Alongside Tonali, De Zerbi has welcomed Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, and free agents Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson. Yet despite this influx of talent, the manager hinted that more arrivals are imminent while several first-team regulars could still walk out the door before the window closes.

Speaking to Football London, De Zerbi revealed, “The transfer market, it’s not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!” This cryptic ‘bomba’ suggests another marquee signing is on the horizon, but it also raises questions about who might make way to balance the squad.

One of the most prominent names linked with an exit is Cristian Romero. The centre-back, who previously played for Juventus, Atalanta, and Genoa in Serie A, has emerged as a primary target for Inter, who have already secured John Stones. Vicario, the shot-stopper who has impressed since joining Spurs, is also believed to be on Juventus’s radar. With both clubs circling, the situation has become one of the defining stories of the transfer window.

Addressing Romero’s future directly, De Zerbi said: “At the beginning of my time, in April, I had, I don’t know, one million individual meetings! And [the players] told me what was their idea. I said: ‘Yes, help me to stay up, and then I help you to leave’. If you don’t help me to stay up, you stay underwater with me!” This transparent approach reflects the manager’s willingness to honour player wishes, but he was quick to praise Romero’s professionalism.

“But Romero with me was unbelievable. Top. In his behaviour, his respect, he suffered when he did not play the last game. It is not true that he wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for their World Cup. It’s not true,” De Zerbi insisted. The Argentine international has been a key figure in the national team’s successful World Cup campaign, but the manager dismissed any notion that Romero had already mentally checked out.

The Tottenham boss went on to reveal the nature of their communication: “After the semi-final we text a message, but I never called him to convince him to stay. I respected what he told me. Like for Vicario, like for every player.” This statement forms the crux of the matter — De Zerbi gives Romero and Vicario for Inter and Juventus I never called him, meaning neither player has been pressured into staying. Instead, the manager is willing to let them go if they desire a return to Italy.

Romero’s quality is not in question. De Zerbi himself acknowledged: “Romero as a player is one of the best centre-backs in the world, but at the end I said I want to respect the will of the players.” This respect for individual ambition could pave the way for a summer exit, with Inter reportedly eager to pair him with Stones in a formidable defensive line. Vicario, meanwhile, has been a reliable presence in goal, and Juventus’s interest suggests they see him as a long-term solution between the posts.

For Tottenham fans, the prospect of losing both players is concerning, but De Zerbi’s track record in the transfer market offers reassurance. The additions of Tonali, Van Hecke, and Robertson signal a clear project, and the manager’s tactical flexibility could compensate for potential departures. However, the emotional connection between the players and the club remains strong, as evidenced by Romero’s reaction to being benched in the final game of the season.

As the summer window enters its final weeks, all eyes will be on Tottenham’s negotiations. Will Inter and Juventus test the club’s resolve with formal bids? Or will Romero and Vicario remain in North London to fight for their places? De Zerbi’s comments suggest the decision ultimately lies with the players, and he will not stand in their way if they choose to return to Serie A.

In conclusion, De Zerbi’s public admission underscores a modern managerial philosophy built on transparency and mutual respect. The phrase ‘De Zerbi gives Romero and Vicario for Inter and Juventus I never called him’ encapsulates a transfer saga that could reshape Tottenham’s defence. While the club continues to strengthen, the potential exits of two key players add an element of uncertainty. Whether they stay or go, De Zerbi has made it clear that no bridges will be burned — and that the final decision rests firmly in the players’ hands.