How Did Cristian “Cuti” Romero Join Atlético de Madrid?

The Argentine defender joins Atlético de Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur and now takes on a new challenge with the Colchoneros in LaLiga under the leadership of “Cholo” Simeone.

Cristian “Cuti” Romero is officially an Atlético de Madrid player. The Argentine defender has left Tottenham Hotspur and signed a five-year contract with the Spanish club, running through June 30, 2031, becoming one of Diego Simeone’s key additions.

The 28-year-old center-back arrives in Spain after establishing himself as an important player for the Argentina national team, with the goal of bringing character, pace and experience to Atlético’s backline.

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Atlético to Pay Around $46 Million for Romero

Atlético de Madrid will pay approximately €40 million, or $46.2 million, to sign Cuti Romero. The deal was completed after the Spanish club had already tried to bring him in last summer, when Tottenham’s asking price brought negotiations to a standstill.

Romero becomes Atlético’s fourth signing of the new season, following Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang In Lee. The Argentine also arrives with significant international experience, having made 58 appearances and scored four goals for Argentina since his debut in 2021.

Atlético highlighted his profile as a defender who is “very physical, quick to anticipate and decisive in the tackle,” while also emphasizing his leadership on the pitch.

From Belgrano to Tottenham and Now Madrid

The move to Atlético represents another major step in Romero’s career. The Córdoba-born defender began his professional career at Belgrano before moving to Europe in 2018 to join Genoa, where he made 60 appearances.

He then moved to Atalanta, making 42 appearances, before joining Tottenham. The Premier League club eventually paid around €52 million, or $60.1 million, to make his move permanent in 2022.

During his four seasons with Spurs, Romero made 156 appearances, numbers that underline the experience he brings to Spanish football. He will now share the Atlético dressing room with fellow Argentines Juan Musso, Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez.

“I’ve Wanted to Be Here for a Long Time”

In his first comments as an Atlético de Madrid player, Romero made it clear that he arrives in Madrid with ambition and commitment.

“I’ve wanted to be here for a long time,” the Argentine said, adding that he wants to “write my name into the history of this beautiful club.”

The defender explained that he identifies with Atlético’s style of play and the competitive mentality instilled by Simeone. He also sent a direct message to the fans: “I’m going to give everything I have.”

Romero has already begun his preparations with the Rojiblancos. His priority will be to regain his competitive rhythm following his post-2026 World Cup break and quickly adapt to Simeone’s demands.

Atlético are adding a high-caliber center-back with character and international experience to strengthen their defense, while “Cuti” arrives in Madrid with a clear objective: win over the fans and leave his mark on the club.