Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero is set to leave the club for €40M to join Atletico Madrid, a deal that has been agreed upon by both parties. The 28-year-old centre-back has been a long-term target for Atletico and coach Diego Simeone, and has been widely expected to leave Spurs this summer.
What happened?
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.
Why it matters for Tottenham Hotspur
Romero spent five seasons at Tottenham -- the first on loan -- and became club captain in 2025. 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.
What comes next?
Atletico will pay a fixed €35 million, with the potential for an additional €5 million in variables, to sign the Argentina international. Romero will be leaving Tottenham after making his debut at Argentina side Belgrano, moving 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. The League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way) is 17th in Premier League, 41 pts, 10W-11D-17L from 38 games, recent form WLDWW. Goals this season: 48 scored, 57 conceded (-9 goal difference). The title race: 44 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Transfer Details
The deal is worth a potential €40 million ($46m), with Atletico paying a fixed €35 million and the potential for an additional €5 million in variables. Romero has been a long-term target for Atletico and coach Diego Simeone, and has been widely expected to leave Spurs this summer.
Current Context
Tottenham Hotspur are currently 17th in the Premier League, 41 points, 10 wins, 11 draws, 17 losses from 38 games, with a recent form of WLDWW. They have scored 48 goals and conceded 57, resulting in a -9 goal difference. They are 44 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race.
