Report: Spurs Centre-Back Tops Atletico’s Defensive Wishlist | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid target Tottenham’s Cristian Romero for summer move

Atletico step up pursuit of Romero

Atletico Madrid are intensifying efforts to land Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero ahead of this year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The 26-year-old World Cup-winning defender has emerged as the priority target for Diego Simeone, with Atletico prepared to act swiftly in the early weeks of the summer window.

Sources close to the club suggest Atletico are confident of securing Romero’s signature for under £45 million, a fee they consider fair given the Argentine’s proven quality and top-flight experience. After nearly four years in North London, there is growing optimism at the Wanda Metropolitano that Romero would be open to a fresh challenge in La Liga.

Simeone is expected to oversee a defensive rebuild this summer. Atletico are actively seeking two new central defenders, with Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera also under consideration. However, it’s Romero who is firmly at the top of the wishlist.

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Changing of the guard in Madrid’s defence

Several senior defensive figures are nearing the end of their contracts, potentially accelerating Atletico’s recruitment drive. Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and Reinildo Mandava are all out of contract in June, while Clement Lenglet is due to return to Barcelona after the conclusion of his loan.

These developments could leave a gaping hole in Atletico’s backline just before the Club World Cup. FIFA’s “exceptional registration window” — running from 1 to 10 June — offers a narrow opportunity to register new signings for the tournament. As a result, Atletico are eager to finalise deals swiftly, with Romero seen as a player who could slot seamlessly into Simeone’s system.

Romero’s tenacity, positional awareness, and ball-playing ability make him an ideal fit for Atletico’s defensive blueprint. It’s no surprise that Simeone has zeroed in on the Spurs man, with the Argentine coach long favouring aggressive, front-foot defenders capable of thriving in high-intensity systems.

Tottenham stance on potential outgoings

Tottenham’s position remains firm — they are not actively looking to sell Romero, who has been one of their standout performers in an otherwise mixed campaign. However, the situation may evolve depending on incoming offers and strategic planning under the club’s next manager.

While there has been no formal bid tabled yet, initial dialogue between intermediaries is understood to have taken place. Any movement is likely to hinge on Tottenham’s own summer plans, particularly in terms of their managerial appointment and squad reshaping.

Simeone also monitoring Bentancur

Atletico’s interest in Tottenham doesn’t end with Romero. Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has also caught Simeone’s eye. The Uruguayan is admired for his work rate and tactical discipline, qualities that align with the Atletico coach’s ethos. However, a move for Bentancur is not considered imminent and would likely depend on further developments in Tottenham’s off-season strategy.

For now, all eyes in Madrid are on Cristian Romero — a player viewed not only as a short-term fix but as a long-term cornerstone of Simeone’s evolving project.

Should the move materialise, it would be a significant statement by Atletico ahead of their Club World Cup campaign and the 2025/26 La Liga season.

Statistical Analysis

Cristian Romero’s radar chart, which compares him to other centre-backs over the past 365 days (2,271 minutes), paints the picture of a remarkably well-rounded defender with standout metrics across both attacking and defensive phases.

Defensively, Romero excels in several key areas. He ranks in the 88th percentile for tackles and interceptions, 81st percentile for aerial duels won, and 59th percentile for tackling dribblers, showcasing his ability to both read the game and engage physically. His clearance rate (62nd percentile) and blocking ability (84th percentile) are solid, suggesting a proactive, front-foot approach that fits aggressive defensive systems.

From a possession standpoint, Romero’s contribution is equally impressive. He ranks in the 92nd percentile for passes attempted and pass completion rate, underlining his composure and consistency in distribution. His progressive passing (73rd percentile) and progressive carries (79th percentile) suggest that he’s not just safe in possession — he actively helps his side move up the pitch. He also ranks in the 92nd percentile for touches, a reflection of his involvement in build-up play and his importance as a first-phase outlet.

What sets Romero apart from many defenders is his attacking output. He ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty xG and 84th percentile for non-penalty goals, while also posting an astonishing 98th percentile in combined xG and expected assisted goals (xAG). These are elite numbers for a centre-back, pointing to Romero’s threat on set pieces and his value in the final third.

Overall, this radar underlines why Romero is not only key for Tottenham but also drawing interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid. His profile blends aggression, ball progression, and surprising attacking impact — a rare and highly valuable combination.