Atletico de Madrid have officially announced the signing of Argentina defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, with the 28-year-old agreeing a contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until 30 June 2031.
Romero brings five seasons of experience in English football to Atletico, having joined Tottenham in 2021. During his time in north London, he made 156 appearances, scored 13 goals and provided seven assists.
His final major achievement with Tottenham came in the 2024-25 season, when he helped the club win the UEFA Europa League. Romero was also named the competition’s best player, underlining his importance during Tottenham’s successful campaign.
The move to Atletico represents the latest stage of a career that has already taken Romero through several of Europe’s major leagues. Before moving to England, he played for Belgrano, Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.
Romero spent the 2020-21 season with Atalanta and was named Serie A’s best defender during that campaign. His performances in Italy established him as one of the leading central defenders in European football before his transfer to Tottenham.
Transfermarkt lists the value of the deal at 40 million euros.
Romero began his international career with Argentina in June 2021 and has since won 58 caps. He has been part of the national team squads that won two Copa America titles and one World Cup.
His arrival gives Atletico a defender with extensive domestic, European and international experience. Romero has played at club level in Argentina, Italy, England and now Spain, while also becoming a regular member of one of the most successful international teams of the modern era.
At Tottenham, he became a prominent figure across five seasons and contributed at both ends of the pitch, recording double figures for goals as well as seven assists from defence. His recognition as the UEFA Europa League’s best player in 2024-25 was the most notable individual honour of his time with the London club.
The six-year agreement announced by Atletico signals the club’s long-term commitment to Romero. His contract runs through the end of June 2031, extending well beyond the immediate season and marking him out as an important part of the club’s plans.
For Argentina, Romero’s 58 appearances since his debut in June 2021 have come during a period in which the team collected two Copa America trophies and a World Cup. He now moves to Atletico with a record that includes success in both European club competition and international football.
