Tottenham's defensive gap widens as Romero confirms €40m exit

Tottenham Hotspur face a significant defensive shortfall after Cristian Romero confirmed his departure, ending a five‑year spell with a €40 million (£34.1 million) transfer to Atletico Madrid. The defender’s exit comes as the club struggled in an injury‑hit 2024‑25 campaign and sat in the Premier League relegation zone.

Tottenham's defensive void

Romero’s knee injury in April curtailed his season, and his criticism of the board over a perceived lack of ambition intensified fan backlash. He was allowed to fly to Argentina for rehabilitation, a decision that sparked controversy but he returned in time to watch the win over Everton that secured survival.

Transfer terms and Atletico future

The move includes a 15 per cent sell‑on clause, linking any future profit back to Tottenham. Romero will reunite with compatriot Diego Simeone at the LaLiga club, fulfilling years of reported interest from Atletico Madrid.

In an Instagram farewell, Romero reflected on his five‑season journey, recalling his role as man of the match in the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United, which ended Tottenham’s 17‑year trophy drought. He described the club as his home and expressed pride in lifting that long‑awaited trophy.

The Independent, which also covers topics from Big Tech to climate change, reported the deal. The outlet has investigated Elon Musk’s pro‑Trump PAC and produced the documentary ‘The A Word’ about American women fighting for reproductive rights, underscoring its broad editorial scope.

At 28 years old, Romero now prepares to adapt to Spanish football under Simeone’s demanding system. The transition will test his resilience after a season marked by suspensions across 156 games and a challenging relationship with Spurs’ hierarchy.