Tottenham Hotspur have received a massive boost with centre-back Cristian Romero opting to sign a new contract with the club despite speculation linking him with an exit.
Romero has signed a new, long-term contract with Spurs, days after receiving the captain’s armband following the departure of Son Heung-min.
The 27-year-old has been a defensive rock for Tottenham since joining from Atalanta in 2021, making 126 appearances for the club, including 26 last term.
Romero was reportedly a transfer target for Atletico Madrid this summer, and there were rumours he was ready to jump ship, but Tottenham have managed to tie him down to a new deal.
The Argentine helped Tottenham keep a clean sheet in the Premier League opener versus Burnley (3-0).
It was Tottenham’s first Premier League clean sheet in 13 games, their last coming vs Manchester United on February 2. He will be a pivotal cog in the rearguard for new boss Thomas Frank.
Romero’s renewal is as crucial as any summer signing
Keeping Romero at the club is as significant as any marquee signing Tottenham could have made this summer.
The centre-back market is notoriously thin, and few defenders available can match Romero’s mix of aggression, anticipation, and composure on the ball.
Spurs need reliable leaders at the back, and losing him would have left a hole at the back.
With Son gone and James Maddison sidelined through injury, Romero’s importance extends beyond his defensive duties. He is now the heartbeat of the team.
His willingness to commit to the project underlines his belief in Tottenham’s direction, and his new contract offers stability in a squad undergoing change.
For Frank, having Romero at the heart of his defence provides both quality and leadership, giving Spurs a foundation on which to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Stats from Squawka and Transfermarkt