Cristian Romero has successfully completed his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid, with both clubs confirming the details of the move. Sources informed ESPN that Tottenham will receive €35 million, plus an additional €5 million in variables, for the center-back, who has signed a five-year contract with Los Colchoneros.
Five Years in North London Come to an End
Romero initially joined Tottenham on loan from Atalanta in 2021 and made a significant impact, accumulating 156 appearances and scoring 13 goals during his five-season stay. He played a key role in helping Spurs secure a spot in the Champions League and was part of the Argentina team that triumphed in the World Cup held in Qatar.
Cristian Romero playing for Tottenham Hotspur.
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The 2024-25 season presented challenges for Romero, who faced injuries while also voicing dissatisfaction with the club’s direction under head coach Ange Postecoglou. Nonetheless, he excelled in the latter part of the season, helping Tottenham achieve success in European competitions in Bilbao.
Romero’s transfer comes after Tottenham brought in center-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke during the summer.
Joining Simeone’s Atletico
Now at Atletico, Romero joins a squad managed by fellow Argentinian Diego Simeone. He will reunite with three teammates from Argentina’s journey to the 2026 World Cup final: Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Juan Musso.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone during a match.
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In a statement to his new club, Romero expressed his satisfaction and excitement about joining a prestigious team. He emphasized his determination to contribute to the club’s history through victories and mentioned that his style of play aligns well with Atletico’s philosophy, particularly noting the presence of his Argentina teammates.
A Turbulent Final Chapter at Tottenham
Romero’s last season at Tottenham proved challenging. After being appointed permanent captain for the 2025-26 season, he faced four suspensions and openly criticized the club’s management several times. A knee injury in April limited his playing time as Spurs struggled to avoid relegation.
The defender received permission to travel to Argentina for rehabilitation, which drew criticism from fans. He returned in time to observe Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Everton, a win that ensured their place in the Premier League.
New head coach Roberto De Zerbi endorsed Romero’s move, allowing him to close this chapter of his career and finally make the transition to Atletico on the five-year contract.
Cristian Romero has completed his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid, with both clubs confirming the deal. Sources told ESPN that Spurs will receive €35 million plus €5m in variables for the centre-back, who has signed a five-year contract with Los Colchoneros.
Five years in north London come to an end
Romero joined Tottenham initially on loan from Atalanta in 2021 and went on to make 156 appearances, scoring 13 goals across five seasons. He helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League and starred as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar.
Cristian Romero playing for Tottenham Hotspur.
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During an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign in which pressure mounted on head coach Ange Postecoglou, Romero made frequent thinly veiled criticisms of the board over a perceived lack of ambition. He later produced a string of outstanding displays to inspire Tottenham to European success in Bilbao.
Romero’s departure follows Tottenham’s summer arrivals of centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Joining Simeone’s Atletico
Romero joins an Atletico squad managed by fellow Argentinian Diego Simeone. The team also includes three of his teammates from Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final: Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Juan Musso.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone during a match.
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Speaking to his new club, Romero said he was pleased and happy to join a huge club. He said he arrived with the mentality he has always had and wanted to write his name into the club’s history by winning something. He also described his playing style as a perfect fit for Atletico and noted that several of his Argentina teammates are at the club.
A turbulent final chapter at Tottenham
Romero’s final season at Tottenham was difficult. After being named permanent captain during the 2025-26 campaign, he served four different suspensions and was critical of the club’s hierarchy on several occasions before a knee injury in April curtailed his season with Spurs in the relegation zone.
He was allowed to fly to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation, a decision that prompted a backlash from supporters. Romero returned in time to watch Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Everton, which secured Premier League survival.
New head coach Roberto De Zerbi gave Romero the green light to move on, ending years of links with the LaLiga club. The defender has now joined Atletico on a five-year contract.
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