Atletico Madrid sign Cristian Romero on contract through 2031

MADRID — Spain's La Liga side Atletico Madrid has completed the signing of Argentine defender Cristian Romero, the club said, announcing a long-term deal that runs through June 30, 2031. The center back arrives from Tottenham and is expected to bolster Diego Simeone's back line as part of the club's defensive reinforcement plan. Atletico Madrid said the move addressed Simeone's request for a physically strong defender with leadership qualities. Romero, who can also play at right back, featured for Tottenham from 2021 through 2026, making 156 appearances and recording 13 goals and seven assists. With Tottenham, Romero won the UEFA Europa League in the 2024-25 season and was named the competition's best player. During a loan spell at Atalanta in Italy's Serie A, he was recognized as the league's top center back. He also helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, and reach the final of the 2026 World Cup.