Tottenham Hotspur announced this morning that they have completed a permanent deal for Cristian Romero. The Argentinian centre-back has signed a five-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Romero signed for Spurs on loan last summer from Atalanta with a purchase option. This option has now been activated by Spurs, making the player a permanent fixture in the squad.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham will pay Atalanta around £42 million (€50 million) for Romero.
Spurs Sign ‘Next Leonardo Bonucci’ in Cristian Romero
High Praise from Ex-Spurs Defender
Jonathan Woodgate has marvelled at Romero, talking about him in the same bracket as Leonardo Bonucci or Giorgio Chiellini.
He said: “That’s what I like about him [Romero]. He’s only going to get better with a manager of Conte’s standards. A manager who’s worked with Bonucci, Chiellini, these are top players we’re talking about, and I’m sure he’s going to learn even more from Conte. I do like him.”
Romero has already endeared himself to Spurs fans thanks to his aggressive yet stylish play. Strong in the air, quick across the ground, the 24-year-old is a stalwart defender.
There are echoes of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in his play in that he is more than capable of bringing the ball out from the back. He is calm under pressure and offers a great presence for his fellow defenders.
His fiery temperament does see him come to blows with the opposition, bringing with him some of the grit and tenacity once displayed by Erik Lamela. Spurs have often been accused of being too soft, most recently by Jose Mourinho. Signing Romero on a permanent deal ensures the club have a strong defender for the next few campaigns.
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Injury Update
Romero suffered an injury after the clash against Chelsea. But there is good news.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte gave an update on Monday: “About [Cristian] Romero and [Oliver Skipp] Skippy…today they did the training session with us. For sure we have to wait, to tell that [if] they are completely recovered, but this is a good sign for us, for the player.
Despite only being at the club for just over a year, Romero does leave a noticeable gap when unable to play. He has settled remarkably well and can only progress under Conte’s Tottenham.
A London Derby looms over the horizon with Spurs facing West Ham United tomorrow night. Romero would be an important player in this fixture, but as Conte suggests he may not be fully fit. In addition, Conte may decide to keep his defence as is, having kept two clean sheets in the last two matches.
There are plenty more battles to come, with a hectic schedule in September. From the 3rd of September to the 4th of October the Lilywhites have six games. So Conte will be unlikely to risk a player like Romero coming back too soon from injury. He’ll definitely be needed later in the month as fatigue sets in, with fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League, facing Manchester City and Marseille just days apart.
Cristian Romero has officially signed new five-year Tottenham contract valid until June 2027 — as loan move made permanent. ⚪️ #THFC
Atalanta will receive €50m total fee. pic.twitter.com/S2XtimomtX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2022
