'I want to leave Tottenham' → Finally 'Lee Kang-in and one pot rice' highly likely... Cristian Romero, who played with Son Heung-min, 'transfer imminent'

*This content was translated by AI.

After a long period of controversy, the transfer appears to be confirmed. Cristian Romero (28), who previously played alongside Son Heung-min (now at LAFC) at Tottenham Hotspur, is set to join Atletico Madrid and will soon share the field with Lee Kang-in (25).

European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano announced on the 11th (Korea time) via his personal social networking service (SNS): "The contract between Romero and Atletico is nearing completion. Atletico plans to send a new offer to Tottenham shortly," adding, "Romero has already agreed to join Atletico. Negotiations have entered the final stage."

According to Romano, Tottenham did not even consider selling to North London rival Arsenal. FC Barcelona is also reportedly focused on signing Rodri and has not pursued Romero's transfer.

Earlier, after losing Son Heung-min, Tottenham intended to sell its new captain, Romero. With the team plummeting to 18th place in the relegation zone and Romero ruled out for the season due to injury, the club's leadership set a transfer fee between 60 million and 65 million euros (approximately 112.5 billion won) to address financial pressure and restructure the squad, opening the possibility of a sale.

According to local reports, while Manchester United and Real Madrid had shown interest in Romero, Atletico Madrid moved most actively at the request of coach Diego Simeone, who strongly desired a defensive overhaul, leading to an agreement.

Korean football's star Lee Kang-in has already taken his place at Atletico, where Romero is set to join. Lee Kang-in, who played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) until last season, finalized his move to Atletico with a transfer fee of up to 40 million euros (approximately 65.6 billion won) and a five-year contract through 2031.

After confirming the transfer, Lee Kang-in remained in Korea for administrative procedures related to military service exemption following his gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. He joined the team in Korea when the Atletico squad visited for the 2026 Coupang Play Series. Lee Kang-in participated in his first team training on the 7th and made his unofficial debut by coming on as a substitute in the match against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th.

After completing administrative procedures immediately following the match, Lee Kang-in departed for Spain with the squad. Spanish media outlet 'Mundo Deportivo' reported on the 11th: "The Atletico squad, having completed its tour in Seoul, arrived at Barajas Airport." It added, "The most noticeable figure was Lee Kang-in, who visited the Majadahonda training facility for the first time since his transfer. Lee Kang-in left the facility via club vehicle and is scheduled to personally inspect the training ground on Wednesday."

Lee Kang-in will begin full local training with the squad starting in 2026 after their vacation period, concluding pre-season activities with a friendly match against Marseille (France) on the 15th. He is then set to make his return to the Spanish stage and home debut in the opening match of the 2026-2027 La Liga Round 1 against Malaga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on the 20th. If Romero's transfer is finalized, the captain who supported Son Heung-min at Tottenham will now challenge for the La Liga title alongside Lee Kang-in in Madrid.

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*This content was translated by AI.