Atletico Madrid Finalizes £34.2m Deal for Tottenham Defender Cristian Romero

Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement to sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham for a fee of £34.2 million (40 million euros). The 28-year-old is poised to become Atletico's fourth acquisition this summer. Tottenham will also benefit from a 15% sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

Romero, an Argentina international, had recently attracted interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. However, Tottenham opted against selling their captain to their North London rivals.

The defender departs Tottenham after five seasons, during which he made 156 appearances and scored 13 goals. His initial campaign with Spurs in 2021 was on loan from Atalanta before a permanent move.

Romero was a key player for Argentina during their journey to the World Cup final this summer, participating in all but one match.

He was scheduled to rejoin Spurs for pre-season training in the upcoming week, having been granted extended time off after the tournament in North America.

Last season, Romero captained the side as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

Following his permanent transfer from Atalanta for £42.5 million, Romero became a crucial component of Tottenham's defense. He was appointed club captain in 2025 after the departure of Son Heung-min.

Earlier, Romero had caused some discontent among supporters at the end of the last season when he traveled to Argentina to watch his boyhood club Belgrano play River Plate before Tottenham's final league match against Everton, a game that was critical for their Premier League survival.

He did, however, return to London in time to witness Tottenham secure their place in the top flight.

Fellow defender Djed Spence is also expected to leave Spurs, with the English defender reportedly in advanced discussions for a £25.6 million move to Inter Milan.

With the anticipated signings of midfielders Kang-in Lee and Morten Hjulmand, along with left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, Atletico's transfer spending this summer is projected to exceed £100 million if the Romero deal is completed.

Head coach Diego Simeone aims to strengthen his squad after they finished fourth in La Liga last season, with Villarreal securing third place.

English Translation:

Atletico Madrid have agreed to a £34.2 million (40 million euros) deal to sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham. The 28-year-old is set to become Atletico's fourth signing of the summer, while Spurs will also retain a 15% sell-on clause as part of the transaction.

Argentina international Romero had recently been of interest to Premier League champions Arsenal, but Tottenham were unwilling to sell their captain to their North London rivals.

He leaves Tottenham after five seasons, having made 156 appearances and scored 13 goals, following an initial loan spell from Atalanta in 2021.

The centre-back featured for Argentina during their run to the World Cup final this summer, missing only one game.

Romero was due to return for pre-season with Spurs in the coming week after being granted extra time off following the tournament in North America.

He captained the side last season as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

After signing permanently from Atalanta for £42.5 million, Romero became a key figure in Spurs' defense and was appointed club captain in 2025 following Son Heung-min's departure.

Romero had angered supporters at the end of last season when he flew to Argentina before the final game of the season against Everton, a match where their Premier League status was uncertain.

The defender had been eager to watch his boyhood club Belgrano play River Plate in his homeland, but he returned to London in time to see Tottenham secure their survival.

Fellow defender Djed Spence is also set to depart Spurs, with the England defender in advanced talks to join Inter Milan for a fee of £25.6 million.

With the additions of midfielders Kang-in Lee and Morten Hjulmand, and left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, Atletico's transfer spending this summer is set to exceed £100 million should they complete the Romero deal.

Head coach Diego Simeone is aiming to strengthen his squad after they finished fourth in La Liga last season, with Villarreal beating them to third place.