Simeone Finally Gets His Wish: Atlético Moves for Romero
The Madrid club is preparing an initial offer of around €30 million to Tottenham, with the Argentine center-back preferring Atlético over Inter.
The Madrid club is preparing an initial offer of around €30 million to Tottenham, with the Argentine center-back preferring Atlético over Inter.
Atlético Madrid has officially launched the operation to bring in Cristian 'Cuti' Romero, the Argentine international center-back who has long been at the top of Diego Simeone's wish list. According to information published on August 5, 2026, by Marca, Index.hr, and specialist journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Madrid club is preparing its first concrete offer for the 28-year-old Tottenham defender.
In the first round of negotiations, Atlético will put forward a figure of around €30 million, significantly less than the €55 million the London club demanded last summer. However, circumstances have changed-Tottenham is now willing to sell the player for around €40 million, and Romero himself, when extending his contract until 2029, included a special clause that activates in the event of an offer from one of the three biggest Spanish clubs.
The transfer is conditional on the sale of two players-Nahuel Molina to Roma and Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa-which will free up funds in the wage budget, given that Romero has one of the larger contracts at Tottenham. Sporting director Mateu Alemany is already finalizing those departures and has a plan ready to bring in the Argentine center-back.
Interestingly, Inter is offering Tottenham a more financially generous package, though sources differ on the exact amount. Fabrizio Romano mentions a package worth €40 million, while Index.hr specifies €35 million fixed plus an additional €5 million in bonuses. Despite this, Romero's priority is clear-he wants to join his compatriot Simeone at the Metropolitano.
The Argentine defender has never hidden his desire to play under Diego Simeone, which was evident during last season's Champions League matches. His stance has further encouraged Atlético to renew their interest and move into concrete negotiations.
With Romero's arrival, Atlético would not only compensate for the expected departure of José María Giménez but also significantly raise the quality of their defensive line. The club is also keeping an eye on Nico González, but Romero remains the main target of this transfer window. The player is now awaiting the outcome of negotiations between the two clubs, aware that his long-held wish to play for the 'rojiblancos' could finally come true.
