Is This the End? Cristian Romero Edges Closer to Atletico Madrid – What Spurs and La Liga Fans Need to Know

The Transfer Saga: Why Is Romero Leaving Spurs?

Cristian Romero’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has been a hot topic throughout the 2024/25 season, with rumors swirling about his potential departure. The Argentine defender, who joined Spurs from Atalanta in 2021, has become a cornerstone of their defense but has also faced criticism and injury setbacks. As of June 2025, multiple sources confirm that Romero is seriously considering a move to Atletico Madrid, with negotiations intensifying and Tottenham reportedly demanding a transfer fee of around €80 million (approximately £68 million or 1,263 billion KRW).
Romero’s contract with Spurs runs until 2027, but his desire for a new challenge and the allure of La Liga have made this transfer saga one of the summer’s most talked-about stories. The defender himself has hinted at his openness to a move, stating in interviews that he wants to keep growing and is attracted to the idea of playing in Spain.

Atletico Madrid’s Ambitions and Simeone’s Influence

Atletico Madrid’s interest in Romero is not new. Manager Diego Simeone, also Argentine, has publicly expressed his admiration for Romero, calling him a 'great player' and confirming his desire to bring him to Madrid. The club sees Romero as a perfect fit for Simeone’s defensive philosophy and as a leader who can anchor their backline for years to come. With several Argentine internationals already at Atletico, including Angel Correa and Rodrigo De Paul, Romero would find a familiar environment that could ease his adaptation.
Reports indicate that Simeone has even spoken directly with Romero about the move, further fueling speculation that a deal is imminent. However, the final hurdle remains the transfer fee, with Tottenham holding out for a premium price and Atletico working to negotiate a more favorable deal.

Tottenham’s Dilemma: Hold or Sell?

For Tottenham, losing Romero would be a significant blow, especially as the club looks to rebuild under new manager Thomas Frank. Spurs fans are divided: some believe it’s time to cash in on Romero, especially if the club can secure a high fee, while others fear that his departure could destabilize the defense even further.
Tottenham’s management is reportedly reluctant to let Romero go unless their valuation is met. The club has already started looking at potential replacements, with names like Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Collins being mentioned in the media. The decision is complicated by the fact that Romero is seen as a potential future captain, especially if Son Heung-min leaves the club this summer.

Fan Reactions: Community Voices from Korea and Beyond

The news of Romero’s possible exit has sparked intense debate among fans, both in England and Korea. On Naver and Tistory blogs, Korean fans express a mix of disappointment and understanding. Some argue that Romero’s leadership and defensive skills are irreplaceable, while others point to his injury record and question whether the club should invest the transfer fee in new talent.
On international forums and social media, Spurs supporters are similarly split. Some thank Romero for his contributions and wish him well in Spain, while others criticize his perceived lack of loyalty and question his commitment during tough times. The consensus is that if Romero leaves, Tottenham must reinvest wisely to avoid a defensive crisis.

Cultural Context: Why La Liga Appeals to Romero

For international fans, it’s important to understand the cultural and professional factors driving Romero’s interest in La Liga. Spanish football is renowned for its technical style and passionate fanbases, and for many South American players, La Liga represents the pinnacle of club football outside their home continent. Romero has openly stated his desire to experience Spanish football, citing the presence of fellow Argentines and the opportunity to play under a compatriot like Simeone as major draws.
Atletico Madrid’s history of integrating South American talent and their competitive status in both domestic and European competitions make them an attractive destination. For Romero, the move could be both a professional step up and a chance to reconnect with his roots.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for Romero, Spurs, and Atletico

As of mid-June 2025, the transfer is not yet finalized, but all signs point to a resolution before the end of the month. Tottenham’s stance remains firm on the transfer fee, while Atletico Madrid is pushing to close the deal quickly to bolster their squad ahead of the new season and the upcoming Club World Cup.
For Spurs, the focus will shift to finding a suitable replacement and stabilizing the squad under Thomas Frank. For Romero, a move to Atletico could rejuvenate his career and offer new challenges in one of Europe’s top leagues. Fans on both sides will be watching closely, knowing that this transfer could reshape the fortunes of both clubs.
In the end, whether Romero stays or goes, his legacy at Tottenham will be defined by his passion, leadership, and the high expectations he set for himself and his teammates. The next chapter in his career promises to be just as compelling as the journey so far.