Atletico Madrid Finalizes £34.2m Deal for Cristian Romero from Tottenham
Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur to secure the services of Cristian Romero for a fee of £34.2 million (40 million euros). This acquisition marks Atletico’s fourth signing of the summer. Additionally, Spurs will maintain a 15 percent sell-on clause as part of the transaction.
The 28-year-old Argentina international attracted interest from Premier League champions Arsenal recently; however, Tottenham opted against selling their captain to a local rival.
Romero departs Tottenham after a five-season tenure, during which he made 156 appearances and scored 13 goals, following an initial loan from Atalanta in 2021. He played a significant role in Argentina’s journey to the World Cup final this summer, participating in all but one match.
Scheduled to return to pre-season training with Spurs next week, Romero received additional time off following the tournament held in North America. He served as Tottenham’s captain last season, leading the team to narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League.
After signing permanently from Atalanta for £42.5 million, Romero became a crucial part of the club’s defense. His departure will be disappointing for Spurs supporters, who now face the prospect of also losing Djed Spence to Inter Milan. The Italian club is currently in advanced discussions for the England full-back in a deal worth £25.6 million (30 million euros).
With the recent signings of midfielders Kang-in Lee and Morten Hjulmand, as well as left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, Atletico’s summer transfer spending is poised to surpass £100 million if the Romero deal is finalized. Head coach Diego Simeone aims to bolster his squad following a fourth-place finish in La Liga last season, with Villarreal having leapfrogged them into third.
Atletico Madrid have agreed a £34.2m (40m euros) fee to sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham.
The 28-year-old is set to become Atletico’s fourth signing of the summer, while Spurs will also retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal.
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Argentina international Romero was the subject of interest from Premier League champions Arsenal in recent days, but Tottenham did not want to sell their captain to their north London rivals.
He leaves Tottenham after five seasons, having made 156 appearances for them, scoring 13 times, following an initial campaign on loan from Atalanta in 2021.
The centre-back played for Argentina during their run to the World Cup final this summer, missing just one game.
Romero was scheduled to return to pre-season with Spurs in the coming week after being given extra time off following the tournament in North America.
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He captained the side last season as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
Having signed permanently from Atalanta in a £42.5m deal, Romero became a key figure in their defence.
The news will be a blow to Spurs fans who are also set to lose Djed Spence to Inter Milan, who are in advanced talks to sign the England full-back in a £25.6m (30m euros) deal.
With the additions of midfielders Kang-in Lee and Morten Hjulmand and left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, Atletico are set to take their transfer spending over £100m this summer should they complete the Romero deal.
Head coach Diego Simeone is aiming to strengthen his squad after they finished fourth in La Liga last season, with Villarreal beating them to third place.
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