Tottenham sell World Cup-winning centre-back Romero to Atletico

Madrid, August 15 — Atletico Madrid secured the services of former Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero on Saturday, in a deal valued at approximately €40 million (RM189 million), including potential add-ons. Atletico announced that Romero will be under contract with the club until June 30, 2031. The Argentina international, who was also part of the successful Argentina team that lost in last month’s World Cup final to Spain, joins Atletico as the club’s fourth signing this summer, following Alejandro Grimaldo, Kang-in Lee, and Morten Hjulmand.

Romero, 28, bid farewell to his fans at Tottenham after five years at the club, where he was named man of the match in the 2025 Europa League final, ending a 17-year trophy drought for Spurs by defeating Manchester United. Romero acknowledged that "the journey wasn't perfect" in his parting message but expressed that he left with a "heart full of memories" and "enormous pride".

Romero's arrival at Atletico comes after his countryman and fellow World Cup winner Nahuel Molina transferred to Serie A side AS Roma for a fee reported to be €17 million (RM80 million).