Rodrigo Bentancur has joined his Tottenham Hotspur teammate Cristian Romero on Diego Simeone's transfer wishlist for this summer, as per The Times.
Spurs are reportedly keen on getting Bentancur to sign a contract extension, as his current deal expires in a year. The Uruguayan has been with the club since January 2022, when he arrived from Juventus for a fee in the region of £21 million.
The 27-year-old's representatives have been in talks with the Lilywhites over a contract renewal but he's being eyed up by several European sides ahead of the summer. One of those clubs is Atletico Madrid, who have also made Spurs defender Romero a target, and he has not downplayed a potential exit, and the North London outfit aren't ruling out his departure, as per GIVEMESPORT sources.
Atletico Madrid Eyeing Spurs' Bentancur AND Romero
The South American duo are on Simeone's radar
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly eager not to lose Bentancur on a free next year and is pushing in talks for the player to extend his stay at the club. When fit or not serving suspension, he has been a regular under Ange Postecoglou and has filled in at defensive and central midfield.
Postecoglou labelled Bentancur an 'unbelievable teammate' earlier this season, and Simeone is said to have made the Uruguay international a 'key target'. The La Liga giants have set their sights on the Premier League again after former Tottenham target Conor Gallagher moved to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano from Chelsea last summer for around £34 million.
The two clubs have a strong relationship based on previous business conducted between them, including deals for Kieran Trippier, Sergio Reguilon, Matt Doherty, and Toby Alderweireld. Spurs' precarious position means they'll be without European football next season if they don't win the Europa League, which could cast doubt over several players' futures.
While Bentancur hasn't pushed to leave the North Londoners, his fellow South American Romero has shown signs of wanting to take on a new challenge in "new places". He hinted at a desire to play in La Liga, and Simeone is prepared to offer him that opportunity, although the Lilywhites want around £60 million.
All stats courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 26/04/2025.