Cristian Romero brands Tottenham squad shortage “disgraceful” after window shuts

Cristian Romero has publicly criticised Tottenham’s lack of squad depth after the January transfer window closed without further reinforcements, branding the situation “disgraceful” in a pointed social media post.

The Spurs captain spoke out shortly after Deadline Day passed with no additional first-team signings, despite Tottenham navigating one of the most severe injury crises in the Premier League. Romero’s comments came following Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City, a match Spurs contested with 11 senior players unavailable.

Tottenham were forced into a makeshift line-up against Manchester City, conceding twice in the first half before mounting a spirited comeback led by Dominic Solanke’s brace, including a spectacular scorpion kick.

Romero himself was unable to finish the match, being forced off at half-time due to illness. Nevertheless, he later took to Instagram to praise his team-mates — while also delivering a clear message aimed above the dressing room.

“Great effort from all my team-mates yesterday. They were incredible,” Romero wrote.
“I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available — unbelievable but true and disgraceful.”

The post appeared just hours after the transfer window closed, with Spurs having failed to add further senior depth.

Cristian Romero was one of several defenders missing or compromised. His usual centre-back partner Micky van de Ven was sidelined with a knock, while Kevin Danso suffered a toe injury during the Champions League win in Frankfurt.

That left Radu Dragusin — starting his first competitive match in over a year — as the only fit senior centre-back available.

Tottenham were also without both natural right-backs, with Pedro Porro and Djed Spence sidelined, forcing Archie Gray into an unfamiliar wing-back role.

Despite expectations of an active January window, Spurs ended the month with just two first-team arrivals. Conor Gallagher joined from Atlético Madrid in a £35m deal, while teenage Brazilian defender Souza arrived from Santos for £13m.

Last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace for £35m, further thinning attacking options. Deadline Day itself produced only an academy loan signing, with James Wilson joining from Hearts.

Head coach Thomas Frank had insisted the club remained “active” in the market, but no senior additions materialised.

Romero has previously aired frustrations publicly. After a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth earlier this season, he posted a message criticising the club’s hierarchy for only speaking when results are positive. Although he later apologised, Frank confirmed the Argentine would remain club captain.

The latest comments are likely to reignite debate around Tottenham’s squad planning, particularly with the club currently 14th in the Premier League, 11 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.

Tottenham now face a demanding run of fixtures with limited depth, hoping injured players return quickly to ease the strain. Whether Romero’s comments prompt an internal response remains to be seen, but the captain’s frustration has once again spilled into the public domain.