Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of captain Cristian Romero, with the deal valued at €40 million (£34.1m). The Argentine defender has already agreed to personal terms with the La Liga outfit and is expected to finalize the move once he passes his medical examination.
This agreement concludes Romero’s five-year tenure at Tottenham, during which he featured in 123 Premier League matches and was part of the squad that claimed the Europa League title in 2025. As part of the transfer, Spurs have secured a 15 percent sell-on clause for the defender.
Cristian Romero’s time at Tottenham concludes with transfer
Romero initially joined Tottenham on loan from Atalanta in 2021, with the move becoming permanent in 2022 for a reported fee of €53m. Over time, he grew into a pivotal player for the club and was appointed captain ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The 28-year-old later signed a new contract that was set to keep him at Tottenham until 2029. However, speculation about his future intensified over the summer as multiple clubs expressed interest in acquiring him.
Atletico Madrid ultimately emerged as the frontrunner after holding fresh discussions with Tottenham. Inter Milan also showed interest, and Arsenal made inquiries, but Spurs were unwilling to sell their captain to their local rivals, which allowed Atletico to move forward with the deal.
Atletico Madrid secures Tottenham’s captain after competitive chase
Atletico’s interest in Romero had been known for some time, and continued negotiations with Tottenham led to a final agreement of €40m (£34.1m). The completion of the transfer is dependent on the defender successfully undergoing his medical.
Romero is set to join Diego Simeone’s squad as Atletico aim to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. The World Cup winner departs Tottenham after five years in north London, having added a significant European honor to his resume.
His exit marks the end of a chapter that began with his loan from Atalanta in 2021. Following the permanent transfer in 2022, Romero became a cornerstone of the Tottenham side and eventually assumed the role of club captain.
Tottenham adjusts defensive lineup following Romero’s departure
Tottenham have already strengthened their central defense this summer, having signed Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m and added Marcos Senesi on a free transfer.
The exit of Romero represents another notable shift in the defensive unit as Roberto De Zerbi continues to rebuild his squad.
This transfer also brings to a close Romero’s five-year connection with Tottenham, a period that saw him make 123 Premier League appearances and contribute to the club’s Europa League success in 2025.
Meanwhile, Atletico are adding the Argentine international to their ranks as they gear up for the new season, finalizing a move that unfolded amid significant speculation about the defender’s future.