This summer could be a defining one for Cristian Romero—not only for Tottenham but for the entire European defensive transfer market.
According to Sky Sports, Atlético Madrid, renowned for their rock-solid defense under Diego Simeone, are keeping a close eye on the Argentine World Cup champion.
With Romero’s Spurs contract entering its final two years on July 1, this could be a crucial turning point for both the player and the club.
Despite recent injury struggles—which have sidelined him for 27 games this season, coinciding with Tottenham’s slide in the Premier League—Romero’s stock remains high.
While some may question his consistency, Simeone, his fellow Argentine and a defensive strategist, clearly sees potential where others see risk.
“His contract will run out in 2027, the way the market works, you have to think Tottenham will be tempted to sell the player or offer him a new contract.”
This is a crucial moment. With just over two years remaining on his contract, Tottenham face a ticking clock—either they secure Romero’s future or risk watching his value decline as interested clubs hover.
His absence has undoubtedly weakened Spurs, but his words off the pitch speak even louder. Romero hasn’t held back in criticizing the club’s transfer strategy, especially their failure to adequately replace key players—a frustration that hints at deeper discontent.
“Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results. Those are the things to imitate.”
This isn’t just venting from a frustrated player—it’s a dressing-room leader demanding real change. In many ways, it mirrors the problems that undermined Spurs toward the end of Pochettino’s time: a solid first team but thin squad, constant managerial changes, and a lack of long-term vision.
Romero has now had five managers in four years—hardly the stability a top player needs. The departures have piled up, from Kane and Bergwijn to Sánchez and Emerson. Sure, Spurs splashed out on Solanke and bet on young talent like Gray, but their £70 million net spend hasn’t fixed the deeper issues holding them back.
Atlético’s Offer: Champions League and a Familiar Face
Romero would find Atlético an obvious fit – they offer Champions League action, a system built for defensive strength, and a manager who understands him on and off the pitch.
“Atletico are very interested in signing him and can offer Champions League football, as well Diego Simeone, with both of them from Argentina.”
Even with Atlético’s front office potentially changing—like sporting director Andrea Berta possibly moving to Arsenal—their interest in Romero hasn’t wavered. If anything, that only shows how determined they are to land him.
For Romero, the move would be tempting—especially with Spurs stuck in 14th, miles off the title pace and with no guarantees in Europe. Their only shot at Champions League football next season? A Europa League win, and that’s far from certain.
“It may make sense for the player but if Tottenham win the Europa League this season, they would be in the Champions League as well. It is going to be a crunch summer for them.”
Contract or Cash-In: What Spurs Must Decide
This situation feels all too familiar for Tottenham. Time and again, they’ve let star players run down their contracts, leaving them with little leverage when negotiations come around. Now with Romero, that familiar countdown has already begun.
“You get the feeling that either he has got to sign a new contract or Tottenham will have to sell him. They don’t have to but if they do, Atletico are interested.”
Sure, injuries have raised questions about his reliability – but nobody doubts his quality. A century of appearances, seven goals, and a commanding presence that instantly improves Spurs’ defense when he’s available. He’s not just another player; he’s the foundation of their backline.
But as another disappointing season unfolds, the threat of losing Romero grows real. A move to a Champions League side managed by his fellow Argentine Simeone? That’s not just speculation anymore – it’s starting to look inevitable.
