Cristian Romero has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur instead of switching to FC Barcelona where he was expected to move to earlier in the summer.
Initially, the report was that the Argentina international was wanted at Barcelona. The rumor then was that Lionel Messi, his national teammate wanted him at the side. Unfortunately, Messi could not stay at Barca and Cristian Romero could not sign for the Spanish side.
The 23-year-old Argentine defender left Italian Serie A side Atalanta to join Tottenham Hotspur for a transfer fee worth £42 million. The Argentina international is expected to remain at Tottenham Hotspur for five years.
𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘! @CutiRomero2's first interview as a Spurs player 😎⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RtPp1AUdZt
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 7, 2021
Cristian Romero is seen as a replacement for Spurs’ former defender Toby Alderweireld and he is the third major arrival at the club this summer after the arrival of Bryan Gil and Pierluigi Gollini.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and joined up with fellow summer recruits Bryan Gil and former Atalanta team-mate Pierluigi Gollini.
As part of the deal that bought the Argentina international to the Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur had to give Juventus €16 million before they could seal the deal.
This is so because of the sell-on clause that was inserted in the transfer deal that took Cristian Romero from Juventus to Atalanta on August 5, 2021, for €16 million.
Atalanta first sent the defender to Tottenham Hotspur on loan before the two clubs agreed on a permanent deal which means that the Premier League club now have a full right to the player.
A statement published by Juventus on Friday confirmed that Atalanta “exercised the option rights for the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the player Cristian Romero for a consideration of €16 million, to be paid in three financial years.”
Romero said he is “ready to start and give everything” for Spurs.
“I’m very happy to be wearing this shirt and to come to this club,” he said.
“I want to thank the fans for all the messages. You wanted me here and here I am.”
While Tottenham Hotspur said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Cristian Romero from Atalanta.
“Cristian will wear the number four shirt.”
Morning, Spurs fans! 👋 pic.twitter.com/wZl2PvN2RL
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 7, 2021
