Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Cristian Romero, with the LaLiga club paying a reported €40m (£34m) for the former Tottenham captain.

Romero's future has been in doubt all summer, with Spurs signing centre-backs Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi ahead of their first full season under Roberto De Zerbi.

Having been ruled out due to injury in the midst of Spurs' relegation battle last season, Romero was roundly criticised for deciding to return to Argentina instead of attending their crucial final-day meeting with Everton – a choice he eventually reversed.

Several clubs – including Premier League champions Arsenal – have been linked with Romero since the transfer window opened, but Atleti have clinched his signature.

The centre-back has signed a five-year contract with Los Colchoneros, who open their LaLiga campaign against Malaga next Wednesday.

Having joined Spurs – initially on loan from Atalanta – in 2021, Romero made 156 appearances for the club and helped them win the Europa League in 2024-25, their first trophy in 17 years.

Since his debut five years ago, Romero won the most duels among Spurs defenders (873), recorded the most interceptions (223), the most clearances (524) and won the second-most tackles (208).

And among Premier League defenders, only Gabriel Magalhaes (18) and Virgil Van Dijk (17) have scored more goals than Romero (11) in the competition since the start of 2021-22.

Romero started seven of Argentina's eight games at this summer's World Cup, as they finished as runners-up to Spain.

As well as helping the Albiceleste keep two clean sheets, Romero won the joint second-most tackles (10, joint with Lionel Messi and behind Alexis Mac Allister's 12) and won 33 of his 50 duels.