Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of 2022 World Cup-winning centre-back Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of €40 million ($46 million) including add-ons. Romero has agreed a contract with Atletico until June 30, 2031, the club announced in a statement.
The Argentina international, who was also part of the resilient Albiceleste squad that fell to Spain in last month’s World Cup final, becomes Atletico’s fourth summer recruit following Alejandro Grimaldo, Kang-in Lee, and Morten Hjulmand.
Romero, 28, bid farewell to Tottenham supporters on Friday after five years in north London. He was named man of the match in Spurs’ 2025 Europa League triumph over Manchester United, a victory that ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
During his 156 appearances for Spurs, Romero was known both for his defensive prowess and his combative style, which led to several suspensions. Reflecting on his time at the club, Romero admitted “the journey wasn’t perfect” but said he leaves with “a heart full of memories” and “enormous pride.”
Romero’s arrival at Atletico comes just days after fellow Argentinian World Cup winner Nahuel Molina departed the club for Serie A side AS Roma in a deal reportedly worth €17 million.
