Atlético Madrid holds talks with Tottenham Hotspur captain Romero

Atlético Madrid has entered direct negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over the transfer of Cristian Romero, the Argentine center-back who was only named Spurs captain last summer. The Spanish club appears to have stolen a march on Inter Milan, who previously looked like the frontrunners for the defender’s signature.

Romero has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Atlético on a four-year contract.

From captain’s armband to departure lounge

Romero was handed the Tottenham captaincy in August 2025 following Son Heung-min’s departure from the club. He then signed a contract extension running through 2029.

Inter Milan had appeared to be in pole position for Romero, with reports indicating that the Italian club had reached a verbal agreement with Tottenham over a transfer package worth around €40 million. But Atlético’s intervention has apparently pushed Inter to the back of the queue, with the Spanish side moving aggressively on both the personal terms and the club-to-club discussions.

Simeone’s interest in Romero is not a new development. The Atlético manager has reportedly considered the Argentine international a defensive target for several years.

How Atlético plans to pay for it

Atlético is reportedly planning to fund the deal partly through player sales. Nahuel Molina, the Argentine right-back currently in Atlético’s squad, is among those who could be moved on to generate the necessary funds.

Romero’s existing contract through 2029 gives Tottenham significant leverage in any negotiation. The fact that Romero has already agreed personal terms with Atlético suggests the player may be forcing the issue.

Tottenham’s turbulent season and what comes next

Tottenham found itself in a relegation battle earlier in the 2025-26 campaign. Romero returned from injury to feature in a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, giving Simeone a front-row seat to evaluate Romero against his own team.

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