Tottenham Captain Cristian Romero Joins Atletico Madrid
Tottenham’s summer took a sharp twist on Saturday morning as the club confirmed captain Cristian Romero’s departure to Atletico Madrid in a £34.2million deal – a move that leaves Roberto De Zerbi searching for a new leader in the dressing room before a ball has even been kicked.
Spurs made the announcement with a pointed nod to Romero’s impact since arriving from Atalanta in 2021. “We have reached agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Cristian Romero,” the statement read, before underlining just how central the Argentine had become.
Romero, affectionately known as “Cuti”, was a pillar in the club’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024/25 and was rewarded with the armband for the 2025/26 campaign. He racked up 32 appearances in all competitions last season, taking his total to 156 games in Spurs colours.
“We wish Cuti all the best for the future,” the club added, drawing a line under an era in which Romero evolved from rugged defender to standard-bearer.
Now De Zerbi must replace not only his first-choice centre-back, but his captain.
Spence set for Inter as defensive reshuffle accelerates
The upheaval at the back will not stop with Romero. A second defensive exit is expected to be confirmed shortly, after Djed Spence was spotted in Milan ahead of a move to Inter.
The Serie A champions agreed a deal earlier in the week worth around £25.6million, and Italian outlet Gazzetta reported that Spence has passed his medical and signed a contract running until 2031. He will briefly return to London to finalise work permit procedures, but his future is now firmly tied to San Siro.
Once Spence’s transfer is rubber-stamped, Tottenham’s focus will swing decisively up the pitch.
Spurs turn to attack with Savinho on the radar
With the back line being stripped and rebuilt, Spurs are ready to invest in firepower. The club have been linked with moves for Folarin Balogun, Cody Gakpo and Savinho as they look to sharpen De Zerbi’s attacking options.
Savinho, the Brazilian winger who has been a key target for much of the summer, has found himself at the centre of intrigue over the past 48 hours. He was absent on Thursday as his current team continued preparations for Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal in Cardiff, prompting immediate speculation.
Initial reports suggested illness, and that was confirmed by City boss Enzo Maresca at his pre-Arsenal press conference on Friday.
“Yesterday he was not part of the session,” Maresca said. “He was a bit ill. We’ll see today, the session is in the afternoon, we’ll see how it is and we’ll decide.”
For now, that is the official line. But with Tottenham working on a deal and Savinho long established as a priority target, his every omission and update will be watched closely.
Romero gone, Spence on his way, an attack about to be reshaped – De Zerbi’s Spurs are being redrawn at speed. The question now is simple: how quickly can this new version take shape before the season’s demands bite?
