Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Argentina defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, with the 28-year-old putting pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until June 30, 2031. Both clubs confirmed the transfer on Saturday. Atletico described Romero as an experienced, physically strong centre-back with anticipation, tackling ability and leadership qualities. The transfer fee was not officially disclosed, but British media reports have valued the deal at around £34.2 million ($46.3 million). Reports also suggest Tottenham have retained a 15 per cent sell-on clause.
Romero leaves Tottenham after five seasons in north London. He initially arrived from Atalanta on loan in 2021 before the move was made permanent the following year. The Argentine went on to make 156 appearances for Spurs across competitions, scoring 13 goals. He later became club captain and established himself as one of the Premier League side's most influential defenders. One of the defining moments of his Tottenham career came in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League final, when Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy. Romero was named Player of the Match in the final. In a farewell message, Romero expressed gratitude to Tottenham and its supporters, reflecting on his five-year spell with the club before completing his move to Spain.
Romero's arrival gives Atletico coach Diego Simeone an experienced and aggressive option at the heart of his defence ahead of the 2026-27 La Liga campaign. The defender's combative playing style, ability to defend proactively and willingness to step out of the back line could make him particularly suited to Simeone's approach.
Romero becomes Atletico's fourth signing of the summer as the Madrid club strengthens its squad for the new season. Atletico said Romero had successfully completed his medical examination before signing his contract at the club's offices. The move also marks a return to continental European football for Romero, who previously played in Italy with Genoa and Atalanta before moving to England.
Romero has enjoyed considerable success at international level since making his senior Argentina debut in 2021. He was part of the Argentina sides that won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He also featured prominently in Argentina's run to the 2026 World Cup final. The defender has made 58 appearances for Argentina, establishing himself as a key member of the national team's back line. Romero's arrival represents another significant addition to Atletico's squad as Simeone's side looks to challenge for major domestic and European honours in the new campaign.