Atletico Madrid’s transfer strategy
Atletico Madrid’s transfer strategy
Atletico Madrid is reportedly closer to securing the transfer of Cristian Romero, a key defensive target for the club. This development follows a series of player sales that have generated financial flexibility and wage budget room for the team. Sporting director Mateo Aleman has been instrumental in orchestrating these moves, aiming to strengthen the defensive line with the Argentine international.
The club’s pursuit of Romero, who is considered a top priority, gained momentum after the departures of several players. These sales have created the necessary resources for Atletico to submit an offer for the defender.
Key departures pave the way
Three significant player transfers have contributed to Atletico Madrid’s financial capacity. Matteo Ruggeri completed a move to Aston Villa, while Nahuel Molina joined Roma. Additionally, an agreement was reached for Thiago Almada’s transfer to River Plate.
The deal for Almada, after weeks of negotiations between River Plate and Brazil’s Flamengo, was settled in River Plate’s favour for around 20 million euros. This transfer allows Almada to continue his career in his home country. The sale of Ruggeri brought in 18 million euros fixed plus 6 million in variables, and Molina’s deal with Roma was worth 19 million euros including 13 million fixed. These proceeds have opened the door for Atletico Madrid to pursue Romero.
Atletico Madrid is now preparing a 30 million euro offer for Romero from Tottenham. The Argentine centre-back is awaiting the resolution of his move, and there is cautious optimism within Atletico that the deal will be completed. Romero had previously expressed a desire to play in Spain.
Ongoing transfer activity
Despite the progress in the pursuit of Romero, Aleman’s overall transfer plan is not yet complete. The team still requires further reinforcements to address the departures of players like Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada, and Nico Gonzalez. So far, the club has only secured the deal for Kang-in Lee.
The club’s strategy adheres to a principle of “a player out, a player in.” For instance, Nico Gonzalez’s move is contingent on another player leaving first, and signing an additional striker would require the departure of at least two players. Potential candidates for exit include Jose Maria Gimenez, Thomas Lemar, and Carlos Martin. The club also expects proceeds from the sales of academy players such as Giano Monserrati, Julio Diaz, Costis, and Murcio. Until these situations are resolved, other potential deals remain on hold.
Romero’s potential move to Atletico Madrid comes after Inter Milan had reportedly made progress towards signing him with an offer accepted by Tottenham. However, Romero’s preference to play in Spain and Inter’s challenges in finalising departures have kept Atletico in contention. Romero’s arrival could significantly enhance Atletico’s defensive quality, especially given that the team conceded goals across four competitions in the 2025/26 season.
The centre-back has faced injury issues over his five seasons in North London and accumulated multiple suspensions last season due to card accumulation. Despite these concerns, a fit Romero is considered a top-tier centre-back, and the opportunity to sign him within the reported price range is seen as a valuable one for Atletico Madrid. Almada was preparing to join the Argentina national team’s camp at the “Ciro” training centre next Monday, but will now cut short his holiday in Ibiza to head to Buenos Aires to officially complete his transfer to River Plate.
Source: goal.com
