Tottenham and Atletico Madrid close to 27-year-old defender agreement

Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid are reportedly nearing a €60 million agreement for the transfer of Argentine defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero. The deal is said to be in the final stages, with the 26-year-old having given a verbal commitment to join the Spanish club this summer.

Romero, who joined Spurs from Atalanta in 2021, has been a key figure in Tottenham’s defense. However, recent developments suggest he may be seeking a new challenge. He has expressed a desire to play in La Liga, stating, “I’d love to play La Liga. I’d love to, honestly.” This sentiment aligns with Atlético Madrid’s interest in securing his services.

Atlético Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, has publicly acknowledged his interest in Romero, describing him as “a great player.” The club is keen to bolster its defensive options following a disappointing performance in the Club World Cup. Romero’s potential arrival is seen as a significant step in strengthening their backline.

Tottenham’s initial valuation of Romero was around €70 million, but reports indicate they are now willing to accept a fee in the region of €60 million. This adjustment in price may facilitate the completion of the transfer.

If the deal proceeds, Romero’s departure would leave a notable gap in Tottenham’s defense. The club may look to reinforce their squad with potential replacements, including targets like Ousmane Diamonde and Edmond Tapsoba.

As the transfer window progresses, the situation remains fluid. Both clubs are expected to finalize the terms in the coming days, with Romero’s move to Atlético Madrid appearing increasingly likely.