DONE DEAL: Cristian Romero Joins Atletico Madrid From Tottenham

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Argentina international defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur on a contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until June 2031.

According to Ireporter Online, the 28-year-old centre-back was officially unveiled by Atletico Madrid on Saturday as the club’s fourth addition of the transfer window. His arrival is expected to strengthen Diego Simeone’s defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

The Spanish side reportedly agreed a deal worth about €40 million with Tottenham for Romero. The transfer includes an initial €33 million payment, with another €7 million potentially payable through performance-related bonuses.

Romero brings an end to his five-year spell with Tottenham, where he established himself as one of the club’s leading defenders and helped the London side win the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League.

The Argentine defender said goodbye to Tottenham supporters on Friday before travelling to Madrid to complete his transfer. He subsequently underwent his medical examination at the Vithas-Invictum High Performance Sports Medicine Centre before heading to Atletico’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano offices to sign his contract.

“Welcome, ‘Cuti’ Romero!” Atletico Madrid announced as they confirmed the transfer.

The club described Romero as a strong and experienced right-footed defender with the ability to anticipate danger, read the game effectively and provide leadership at the back.

Romero began his professional career with Argentine side Belgrano, making his senior debut in 2016 before moving to Europe two years later after joining Genoa.

Juventus signed him in 2019, but he subsequently spent time on loan at Genoa, Atalanta and Tottenham. His impressive 2020/21 campaign with Atalanta saw him named Serie A Defender of the Year.

Tottenham eventually made his transfer permanent in 2021, beginning a four-year period during which he became a key figure for the club. He made 156 appearances for Spurs, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.

His most notable achievement with Tottenham came during the 2024/25 Europa League campaign, when he helped the club lift the trophy. Romero was also recognised as the competition’s best player and the outstanding performer in the final, as Tottenham ended a 31-year wait for a European title.

At international level, Romero has become an important member of the Argentina national team. Since making his debut in June 2021, he has earned 58 caps and played a major role in the country’s recent successes.

He was part of Argentina’s squads that won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also featured in Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up.

Atletico Madrid had previously shown interest in Romero but were unable to agree a transfer with Tottenham last summer. The Spanish club renewed their pursuit a year later and eventually secured the defender despite reported interest from Barcelona and Arsenal.