Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero, bringing the Argentina international’s five-year spell in north London to an end.
The Spanish club officially announced the transfer on Saturday, with Romero signing a five-year contract running until June 30, 2031.
The transfer package is reported to be worth around €40 million (£34.2m), including add-ons. Tottenham have also secured a 15 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Romero had already signalled that his time at Spurs was over before Atletico confirmed the transfer.
The 28-year-old posted an emotional farewell to Tottenham supporters on Friday, reflecting on his five seasons with the club and the relationship he had developed with the fans.
In one of the most striking lines from his message, Romero wrote: “Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever.”
Tottenham have since confirmed that an agreement was reached with Atletico for the defender’s transfer.
Romero initially arrived at Spurs on loan from Atalanta in 2021 before his move became permanent. He went on to make 156 appearances for the north London club and scored 13 goals.
His time at Tottenham included one of the club’s most important moments in recent history.
Romero played a major role in Spurs winning the Europa League in the 2024/25 season, ending the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy. His performances during the competition earned him UEFA’s Europa League Player of the Season award.
He later became Tottenham captain in 2025.
Romero’s international career has been equally decorated. He was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022 and also featured prominently at the 2026 tournament, where Argentina reached the final.
His move to Madrid will now see him work under fellow Argentine Diego Simeone.
Atletico have been long-term admirers of Romero, and Tottenham were prepared to allow their captain to leave this summer if their valuation was met.
The transfer also gives Romero the opportunity to experience La Liga for the first time after previously playing club football in Argentina, Italy and England.
Atletico described their new signing as a defender with “character, leadership, determination and defensive solidity” when announcing his arrival.
For Tottenham, Romero’s departure removes one of the most experienced defenders from their squad and closes a significant chapter in the club’s recent history.
For Romero, meanwhile, the move provides a fresh challenge in Spain and the opportunity to compete under Simeone at one of La Liga’s biggest clubs.
