Atlético Madrid have reached an agreement to sign defender Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero from Tottenham in a deal worth a potential €40 million ($46m), sources have told ESPN.
Centre-back Romero, 28, has been a long-term target for Atletico and coach Diego Simeone and had been widely expected to leave Spurs this summer.
Atletico will pay a fixed €35 million, with the potential for an additional €5 million in variables, to sign the Argentina international, sources said.
Romero spent five seasons at Tottenham — the first on loan — and became club captain in 2025.
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He made seven appearances for Argentina at this summer’s World Cup, having also been a key member of the team that won the tournament in 2022, as well as the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
After making his debut at Argentina side Belgrano, Romero moved to Italy, playing for Genoa and Atalanta, before signing for Spurs in August 2021.
At White Hart Lane, he won the 2025 Europa League before enduring a more difficult season as Tottenham fought to escape relegation during 2025-26.
