Cristian Romero has completed his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid, with both clubs confirming the transfer. The deal values the Argentina centre-back at €35 million plus a further €5 million in variables, and he has committed to a five-year contract with the LaLiga side.
The 27-year-old leaves North London after a turbulent final campaign in which he served multiple suspensions and publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy over perceived ambition deficits. A knee injury suffered in April curtailed his playing involvement while Spurs battled relegation concerns, though he returned to the stands to witness the team secure their Premier League status with a victory over Everton.
Spurs Career and Departure
Romero initially joined Tottenham on loan from Atalanta in 2021 before making the switch permanent. Across his five seasons with the club, he made 156 appearances and scored 13 goals, establishing himself as a key figure during a period of managerial transition.
The defender played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and was instrumental in Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League. Despite an injury-disrupted 2024-25 season, he delivered outstanding displays to inspire the club to European success in Bilbao.
New head coach Roberto De Zerbi subsequently granted permission for the captain to seek a fresh start, ending prolonged speculation linking him with the Madrid outfit. Romero’s exit follows the arrivals of defensive reinforcements Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined earlier in the transfer window.
Atletico Reunion
Romero links up with fellow countryman Diego Simeone at the Metropolitano, joining an established contingent of Argentine internationals that includes Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Juan Musso. The defender’s arrival provides Simeone with a physically imposing centre-back familiar with high-stakes football.
Tottenham will now look to bed in their new defensive acquisitions as they prepare for the upcoming campaign without their former captain, who sought a new challenge after years of links with the Spanish club.