[Official] 'Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in share the same pot' — Another bond between Korean superstars and Romero, confirmed move to Atletico... 5-year contract signed

*This content was translated by AI.

Christian Romero (28), who wore the captain's armband at Tottenham Hotspur, has confirmed his transfer to Spanish La Liga club Atletico Madrid. With this move, Romero joins Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) and Lee Kang-in (25) as compatriots in the same team.

On the 15th (Korean time), Atletico announced via its official website: "We have reached a final agreement with Tottenham regarding Romero's transfer. Romero has signed a five-year contract valid until June 30, 2031."

The club further stated: "The 28-year-old experienced right-footed center-back Romero possesses strong physicality, quick anticipation ability, and tackling skills. He is a player who demonstrates clear hierarchy and leadership on the field." After successfully completing his medical examination, Romero signed the contract at the club's headquarters, the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

Romero played for CA Belgrano before moving to Italy, where he featured for Genoa, Juventus, and Atalanta. Notably, after being named Serie A's best defender in the 2020–2021 season with Atalanta, he joined Tottenham for the 2021–2022 campaign, making his debut on English soil.

Having spent five full seasons at Tottenham following his permanent transfer, Romero appeared in 156 official matches, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. In the 2024–2025 season, he led UEFA Europa League (UEL) champions to victory, earning both tournament and final match MVP honors, delivering Tottenham their first European trophy in 31 years. Representing Argentina's national team, Romero played 58 A-international matches, contributing to victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and reaching the runner-up position at the 2026 North American World Cup.

According to European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Atletico and Tottenham agreed on a total transfer fee of €40 million (approximately ₩655 billion), including optional clauses. With negotiations with Inter Milan collapsing in July and FC Barcelona halting their acquisition process, Tottenham — having ruled out a sale to North London rival Arsenal — finalized talks with Atletico.

Consequently, Romero will now share the field at Atletico with Lee Kang-in, following his previous partnership with Son Heung-min at Tottenham. Lee Kang-in, who played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) until last season, joined Atletico first by signing a five-year contract valid until 2031 for a transfer fee of up to €40 million (approximately ₩656 billion).

After completing the administrative procedures for military service exemption following his gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Lee Kang-in joined the team starting from the 2026 Coupang Play Series tour in Korea and has since moved to Spain to begin intensive training. Atletico is scheduled to open the 2026–2027 La Liga season on the 20th at the Metropolitano Stadium against Malaga. With Romero's official confirmation of joining, he will embark on a journey toward the summit of Spanish football alongside Lee Kang-in.

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*This content was translated by AI.