Tottenham Hotspur given huge boost as Atletico Madrid give up on target

Atletico Madrid have moved swiftly and with purpose during this transfer market, with two priority additions already over the line in Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri. Johnny Cardoso is expected to complete the trifecta of positional needs for Los Colchoneros, but they do look set to miss out on one of their other priorities.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero had been identified as a ‘dream signing’ for Atletico, with Diego Simeone desperate to add his steel to the backline. Spoken about in similar tones to Julian Alvarez last year, Romero has also made it clear that he would be delighted to play in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid give up on Romero

Spurs have been steadfast on their demands though, and despite ‘Cuti’ Romero refusing to sign a new deal with just two years remaining on his current contract, they were not willing to lower their €70m asking price. No formal offer for Romero has arrived from Atletico, but it is thought that CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin spoke to oppposite number Daniel Levy about Romero.

As per Diario AS, Atletico have decided to shift their attentions elsewhere, and are now looking at other targets. Tottenham have been adamant that they will not sell Romero, and despite Los Colchoneros insistence, they have been met with a brick wall. In London, it will be seen as a victory for Spurs.

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— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 9, 2025

Alternatives for Atletico Madrid?

It is not yet clear who those alternatives may be. Los Rojiblancos have been linked to Aymeric Laporte in recent months, although he looks as though he could be expensive for a defender over 30. However there is the possibility of uniting Spain’s Euro 2024-winning centre-back pairing alongside Robin Le Normand. Meanwhile Feyenoord’s David Hancko, a target last summer, remains on the market, although he has been linked to Saudi Arabia and Juventus.