Atlético Madrid signs Cuti Romero from Tottenham for €40m

Atlético Madrid has completed the signing of Argentine defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero from Tottenham Hotspur for around €40 million, with the 28-year-old committing until 30 June 2031 Source: El Confidencial. The transfer, announced on 15 August, makes Romero the club's fourth signing of the summer, following Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand, and Kang-in Lee Source: ABC.

The deal

Romero, who was a long-standing target for Diego Simeone, joins after five seasons at Tottenham, where he made 156 appearances, captained the side, and won the 2024/25 Europa League Source: La Voz. The fee is reported as €40 million including variables, with Tottenham retaining a 15% sell-on clause Source: El Español. The move makes Romero the most expensive defender in Atlético's history Source: El Español.

The player

Romero is a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 and was a runner-up in the 2026 final against Spain Source: Excélsior. Atlético described him as "a very physical, fast, and decisive defender with great hierarchy and leadership" Source: Infobae. However, his time in England was also marked by suspensions and injuries, missing 35 matches in the last two seasons Source: ABC.

The Argentine connection

Romero joins compatriots Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Juan Musso at the Metropolitano Source: Clarín. His arrival follows the departures of Thiago Almada to River Plate and Nahuel Molina to Roma Source: El Confidencial. Romero said he wants to "leave my name written in the history of this beautiful club" Source: Milenio.