Atlético Madrid Complete Romero Deal After Barcelona Opt Out

Atlético Madrid have secured the signing of Argentina center-back Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur for €40 million, according to Fabrizio Romano. The defender, who spent five seasons in London, gets his desired move to Spain after negotiations between the Madrid club and the Premier League side reached full agreement.

Barcelona's Failed Pursuit

Barcelona had been heavily linked with Romero in the days following Ronald Araujo's loan departure to Liverpool. However, the Catalans studied the deal but ultimately decided not to move forward with a move for the 26-year-old defender. This decision opened the door for Atlético Madrid to complete the transfer once the capital club finalized the sale of Nahuel Molina to AS Roma earlier in the week.

Barcelona's Alternative Targets

It appears Barcelona never had genuine interest in pursuing Romero at the €40 million price tag. The club continues to evaluate whether they will sign a defender in the final weeks of the transfer window, with Real Betis center-back Natan emerging as their primary target should manager Hansi Flick request additional defensive reinforcements.