Report: Atletico Madrid step up pursuit for Spurs defender | OneFootball

Cristian Romero and the Growing Madrid Temptation

Romero’s Frustration Grows as Summer Exit Looms

Cristian Romero’s time at Tottenham Hotspur may be nearing a crossroads. According to Sky Sports Switzerland, the Argentina international has held direct talks with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone during the recent international break. What began as speculation has now developed into something altogether more tangible – a top-level conversation between two uncompromising Argentinians who share a footballing philosophy rooted in intensity, structure, and sacrifice.

Romero has not hidden his frustration this season. As Sky Sports reported, he is believed to be unhappy with Spurs’ handling of his injury situation, a situation that has left him mentally and physically worn down. The club’s stagnation has seemingly only amplified the problem. With Tottenham languishing in 14th place, Europe is already slipping from view – and with it, any short-term project that could convince Romero to stay.

Simeone’s Ideal Signing

“Romero is described as Simeone’s dream transfer target,” the report stated, and it’s easy to see why. The 26-year-old centre-back offers controlled aggression and positional authority, both trademarks of Simeone’s ideal defender. At Atletico, Romero wouldn’t just be a tactical fit – he’d be the cornerstone of a new defensive unit.

Photo: IMAGO

While Real Madrid’s name has long been linked to the player, it appears the red-and-white half of the city is making the bolder move. Not only has contact been established, but personal terms have reportedly been agreed in principle. That leaves only one major obstacle – Spurs’ stubbornness.

Levy’s Price Tag and Contract Countdown

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is not known for letting prized assets go on the cheap. He sees Romero as “untouchable,” and has reportedly slapped a £66.9 million price tag on his head, with earlier estimations putting his value closer to £100 million.

This summer may, however, represent a financial sweet spot. Romero has two years left on his deal – a critical moment in any negotiation. Wait another year and the power begins to shift. There’s been no indication of a contract extension either, leaving Spurs at risk of losing him for far less down the line.

Spurs’ Form Giving Atletico Hope

Atletico sense blood in the water. Spurs’ collapse this season has made headlines – a squad that once promised progression under Ange Postecoglou has spiralled. Injuries, inconsistency, and apparent dressing room unrest have cast a long shadow.

Simeone is preparing his pitch. Romero’s camp are listening. Unless Tottenham can drastically alter the mood and ambition around the club, a summer goodbye feels increasingly likely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you’re a Spurs fan reading this, it’s hard not to feel a creeping sense of déjà vu. Just when a proper centre-back arrives – a player with the bite and pedigree the defence has long cried out for – the project looks to be collapsing around him.

Romero’s frustration is understandable. He’s an international starter for the reigning world champions, and he’s watching his prime years get stuck in a mid-table mire. It’s no wonder Diego Simeone is circling. Spurs have been careless with his fitness and unable to surround him with a dependable backline.

There’s also the Levy factor. The chairman will likely demand top dollar, but fans have seen this movie before. Protracted negotiations, a late exit, a rushed replacement. Meanwhile, Spurs slip further behind the Premier League elite.

“Excited by the prospect” of joining Atletico is the quote that cuts deepest. It’s not just interest – it’s aspiration. Romero wants out, and the club must now decide: do they cling on and risk losing him for less later, or sell high and rebuild – again?

If Romero walks, what message does that send to other top-level players considering the club? And if he stays against his will, what version of Romero remains? These are the questions Spurs fans are now haunted by.