Atletico Madrid have secured the signing of Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth 40 million euros ($46 million), including add-ons. The transfer was confirmed on Saturday, with Romero committing to the Spanish club until June 30, 2031.
The 28-year-old defender brings World Cup-winning experience to Atletico, having been part of Argentina’s victorious squad in 2022. Interestingly, Romero also featured in Argentina’s recent campaign where they fell to Spain in the final last month. This move marks Atletico’s fourth acquisition this summer, following the arrivals of Alejandro Grimaldo, Kang-in Lee, and Morten Hjulmand.
Romero’s departure from Tottenham came after five years at the club, where he made 156 appearances. He bid farewell to Spurs supporters on Friday, reflecting on his tenure with a mix of pride and acknowledgment of its challenges. Though his time in north London included several suspensions, he was a pivotal figure, notably earning man of the match honors in the 2025 Europa League final where Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United.
Transition Amidst Argentine Defenders
The arrival of Romero at Atletico coincides with the departure of another Argentine defender, Nahuel Molina. Molina recently left the club to join AS Roma in Serie A for a reported fee of 17 million euros, creating a notable shift in Atletico’s defensive lineup involving two compatriots and World Cup winners.