Van de Ven has already worn the armband when Romero was unavailable, giving him a case built on experience within the current squad. Keeping the role with a defender could also preserve continuity at the back if Romero’s future is resolved before the new season.
Maddison would offer a different profile: a senior presence who can influence the team from midfield. Son’s reported recommendation puts both players in the conversation, but the final call belongs to De Zerbi.
The club appears to be considering a wider leadership group rather than limiting the decision to two names. Archie Gray captained Tottenham in friendlies against Auckland FC and Sydney FC, while Andy Robertson was handed the armband during the Sydney match after coming on.
Robertson also captains Scotland, adding international leadership experience to the discussion. Those choices do not guarantee he will become Tottenham’s captain, but they point to a role in the group De Zerbi is shaping.
Romero’s departure would leave more than a vacancy: it would require Tottenham to decide who sets standards on the pitch and represents the squad off it. The candidates bring different strengths, from Van de Ven’s familiarity with the role to Maddison’s experience and Robertson’s leadership record.
For now, the key storyline is whether Inter’s interest develops into a move. If Romero stays, the captaincy question may wait; if he goes, De Zerbi’s choice will offer an early signal of how he wants Tottenham to be led.