Most likely candidate for Spurs captaincy revealed if Son departs | OneFootball

Cristian Romero is emerging as Tottenham’s new on-field leader, with the World Cup-winning defender the frontrunner to take over the captaincy if Heung-min Son completes a proposed move to LAFC, report Mail Sport on Friday.

Romero’s leadership credentials have grown steadily since his arrival in north London, but his partnership with Micky van de Ven during Spurs' impressive Europa League run last season firmly established him as the defensive cornerstone of Thomas Frank’s side.

Atlético de Madrid made enquiries earlier this summer, but Spurs have held firm, making it clear they would not entertain offers below £60m for the Argentine. With the Spanish club now backing off, Romero looks increasingly likely to play a pivotal role not just in defence, but in the dressing room as well.

The 27-year-old has relished responsibility, and the departure of Son – who is expected to finalise his MLS switch after Spurs return from their Asia tour – could see Romero given the armband permanently.

Tottenham’s defensive structure is beginning to take shape around him. Kevin Danso has joined permanently following a successful loan from Lens, while Radu Drăgușin continues his recovery from a serious knee injury. Ben Davies, though traditionally a centre-back under previous managers, was deployed at left-back by Frank in the recent friendly against Reading.

Meanwhile, Luka Vušković’s future remains under consideration. The highly rated 18-year-old Croatian, signed for £12million from Hajduk Split at 16, is attracting interest from several Bundesliga clubs after standout loan spells in Poland and Belgium.

Vušković impressed on his Spurs debut last weekend, scoring and assisting within eight minutes of a 2-0 win at Reading. However, despite his promising displays, he remains behind Romero, Van de Ven, Danso, and Drăgușin in the pecking order.

Frank is understood to be weighing up whether Vušković should go out on loan again, potentially to the Bundesliga, or stay and gain experience in English football. Either way, Romero’s status as the defensive leader – and perhaps the next captain – is already shaping the way Spurs manage the future of their young talent.

📸 Justin Setterfield - 2025 Getty Images