La Liga boss confirms interest in Europa League hero; will Tottenham sanction sale?

Diego Simeone confirms his admiration for Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero

Atlético Madrid are making their intentions clear. After a humbling 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup, the Colchoneros have turned their focus firmly toward reinforcing their defence. For weeks, Spanish media have repeatedly linked them with one name—Cristian Romero.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back has been on Atlético’s radar for some time, and his aggressive, combative style fits perfectly with what Diego Simeone demands from his defenders. The 27-year-old Argentine has previously hinted at his desire to play in La Liga, and now the interest feels more concrete than ever.

Following the loss to PSG, Simeone was asked about a potential move for Romero. His response, quoted by Olé, was brief but telling. With a knowing smile, the Atlético boss simply said:

“Do I want Cuti Romero? Of course! He’s a great player.“

Just days ago, multiple Spanish outlets reported that Cristian Romero would push for an exit if Tottenham dismissed Ange Postecoglou. That condition has now been fulfilled. The North London club have parted ways with the Australian and appointed Thomas Frank as the new head coach. According to Marca, via SportWitness, Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil has already initiated contact in an effort to persuade Daniel Levy. However, the Spurs chairman is currently unwilling to negotiate, with the club instead focused on extending Romero’s contract beyond 2027. The situation is complicated, but one thing is clear, Diego Simeone wants Romero in his squad.

Tottenham now face a defining choice. Romero is not just another player; his aggression, tactical intelligence, and vocal leadership have made him a defensive cornerstone. Selling him would generate a substantial fee to reinvest in other areas, but it would also risk destabilising the backline at a critical juncture.

The arrival of Thomas Frank offers a fresh opportunity to reset and reshape the squad. Persuading Romero that he remains central to the club’s ambitions will be essential. While the Argentine harbours a strong desire to play in LaLiga, he is not known for stirring conflict. The key lies in how Frank frames the new project. If he can make Romero feel vital to Spurs’ future, there is still a chance to keep him at the heart of the defence.

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However, time is of the essence. Atlético Madrid are unlikely to wait indefinitely and could formalise a serious offer in the coming weeks. For Tottenham, the immediate priority must be to renew Cristian Romero’s contract. Locking him down beyond 2027 would send a powerful message: that the club sees him as a cornerstone of its long-term vision.

Allowing him to leave now, especially to a major European rival, would mean tearing down the defensive foundation and starting over, a move fraught with risk regardless of the financial return. At this stage of transition, that is a gamble Spurs can ill afford.

Ultimately, Tottenham must hold firm. If Thomas Frank truly has a compelling project in mind, persuading Romero to stay is achievable. Do that, and the club not only safeguards defensive stability but also underlines its ambition to compete at the highest level. After all Romero’s performance in the Europa League final certainly shows his importance to our future ambitions.