Atlético Madrid have completed the signing of Argentina international defender Cristian "Cuti" Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, strengthening their defence ahead of the new season.
The Madrid club officially confirmed on Saturday that Romero has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Atlético until June 30, 2031.
€40 Million Deal for Romero
According to reports confirmed by multiple sources, Atlético will pay approximately €35 million as an initial transfer fee, with a further €5 million in potential add-ons, taking the total value of the deal to as much as €40 million.
Romero, 28, leaves Tottenham after five seasons with the London club. During his time there, he made 156 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.
He also helped Tottenham win the UEFA Europa League in the 2024/25 season and was named the competition's best player.
Simeone Gets the Defender He Wanted
Romero's signing appears to be an important part of head coach Diego Simeone's plan to strengthen Atlético's defence.
Atlético had shown interest in signing the defender during the previous transfer window, but Tottenham's financial demands prevented the deal from being completed. This time, the two clubs reached an agreement that allowed Romero to move to Madrid for a fee lower than what Spurs had previously demanded.
World Cup Winner with Argentina
Romero joins Atlético with an impressive international CV.
He was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and also featured at the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final.
Since making his Argentina debut in 2021, Romero has earned 58 international caps.
Reunites with Fellow Argentines
At Atlético Madrid, Romero will join several fellow Argentines, including Julián Álvarez, as well as Juan Musso and Giuliano Simeone.
His arrival becomes Atlético Madrid's fourth signing of the current transfer window, following the additions of Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee.
