Atletico Madrid sign Cuti Romero from Tottenham on five-year deal
Synopsis
Atletico Madrid have landed one of Europe's most battle-hardened centre-backs in Cuti Romero — a 28-year-old who arrives with a World Cup, two Copa Americas, and a Europa League MVP award on his CV. For Tottenham, it is the departure of the player who defined their first European title in 31 years.
Key Takeaways
Atletico Madrid have signed Cristian 'Cuti' Romero from Tottenham Hotspur on a deal until 30 June 2031 .
Romero, 28 , made 156 appearances for Spurs, scoring 13 goals and providing 7 assists .
He was named best player of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League final and tournament — Tottenham's first European title in 31 years .
Romero has 58 international caps for Argentina , winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles.
Argentina were runners-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup , in which Romero also featured.
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Argentina centre-back Cristian Gabriel 'Cuti' Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, with the 28-year-old defender penning a contract through 30 June 2031. The deal ends a five-season stint at Spurs that culminated in a historic European triumph.
Why Romero Leaves Tottenham
Romero departs Tottenham having made 156 appearances, scoring 13 goals and contributing 7 assists across all competitions. His most defining moment in north London came when he was named the best player of both the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League final and the overall competition, as Spurs lifted their first European title in 31 years. He also served as club captain during the 2025/26 campaign.
In a farewell post on X, Tottenham described him as 'a warrior on the pitch, a key part of our Europa League triumph and captain for the 2025/26 campaign. Good luck for your next chapter, Cuti.'
What Romero Brings to Atletico
A right-footed central defender renowned for his physicality, aggressive tackling, anticipation, and leadership, Romero is widely regarded as one of the premier centre-backs in world football. His arrival reinforces an Atletico Madrid backline that has long been built on defensive solidity under Diego Simeone.
Romero's profile — combative, commanding in the air, and vocal in organising a defence — fits the Atletico mould closely. Notably, this is a homecoming of sorts to the Spanish capital for a player who spent his formative European years across Italy before crossing over to England.
A Career Built Across Europe
Born in Cordoba on 27 April 1998, Romero began his professional journey with Club Atletico Belgrano, making his senior debut in August 2016. He moved to Europe in 2018, joining Genoa before completing a transfer to Juventus in 2019.
Under contract at Juventus, he spent the 2019/20 season on loan back at Genoa, then the 2020/21 campaign at Atalanta, where he was named Serie A's best defender of the season. Tottenham signed him on loan for 2021/22 before making the move permanent.
International Pedigree with Argentina
At international level, Romero has earned 58 caps for Argentina since his debut in June 2021. He was a key member of the Albiceleste squad that won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also featured in Argentina's run to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they finished runners-up.
With that trophy cabinet and a proven record at the highest level, Romero arrives at the Metropolitano as one of the most decorated defenders of his generation. How quickly he integrates into Simeone's system will be the storyline to watch this season.
Point of View
He is reloading. A defender of Romero's physicality and leadership is precisely the profile Atletico have historically thrived on, and his arrival suggests the club remains serious about competing at the top of La Liga and in Europe. For Tottenham, the loss is significant: Romero was not just their best defender but the symbolic heart of their first European trophy in three decades. Whether Spurs reinvest wisely will determine if this summer marks a transition or a regression for the north London club.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Cuti Romero leave Tottenham for Atletico Madrid?
Romero completed a transfer to Atletico Madrid after five seasons at Tottenham, signing a contract through 30 June 2031. While the specific financial terms have not been disclosed, the move marks a new chapter for the 28-year-old following his Europa League triumph with Spurs.
What did Cuti Romero win at Tottenham Hotspur?
Romero was a central figure in Tottenham's 2024/25 UEFA Europa League title — the club's first European trophy in 31 years. He was named the best player of both the final and the overall competition, and captained the side during the 2025/26 season.
What is Cuti Romero's international record with Argentina?
Romero has earned 58 caps for Argentina since his debut in June 2021. He was part of the squads that won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and he featured in Argentina's run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they finished runners-up.
What are Cuti Romero's career statistics at Tottenham?
Romero made 156 appearances for Tottenham across five seasons, scoring 13 goals and providing 7 assists. He joined initially on loan in 2021/22 before the club made his transfer permanent.
What was Cuti Romero's career before joining Tottenham?
Romero began his career at Club Atletico Belgrano in Argentina, debuting in August 2016. He moved to Europe in 2018 with Genoa, then joined Juventus in 2019. Loan spells at Genoa and Atalanta followed, with Romero winning the Serie A best defender award at Atalanta before moving to Tottenham.
