Atletico Madrid sign Tottenham defender Cristian Romero for €40m
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of around €40m.
The 28-year-old Argentina international has put pen to paper on a contract running until 30 June 2031 after completing his medical at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Center in Madrid and finalizing the paperwork at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Known for his physical presence, quick reading of the game, and defensive leadership, Romero leaves Tottenham after five seasons in north London following an initial loan move from Juventus.
During his time at Spurs, the center-back made 156 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. His crowning moment in England came during the 2024-2025 season, when he helped guide Tottenham to the UEFA Europa League title—ending the club’s 31-year wait for a European trophy. Romero was named Player of the Tournament and earned Player of the Match honors in the final.
Romero began his senior career with Argentine club Belgrano, making his debut in August 2016, before moving to Italian side Genoa in 2018. He was signed by Juventus in 2019, subsequently spending loan spells with Genoa, Atalanta, and Tottenham before making his move to the Premier League permanent.
At international level, Romero has established himself as a mainstay in the Argentina defense, earning 58 caps since making his senior debut in June 2021.
He has accumulated an impressive array of international honors with La Albiceleste:
- World Cup: Winner in 2022 and runner-up in 2026
- Copa América: Winner in 2021 and 2024
- Finalissima: Winner in 2022
His arrival provides Diego Simeone with a World Cup-winning defender ahead of the new campaign as Atletico look to bolster their central defensive options.
