Diego Simeone has made it clear that he wants to sign Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this summer.
Romero has frustrated supporters with his persistent injury woes over the past couple of years but atoned for his previous unavailability by producing a standout individual campaign as Spurs ended their 17-year wait for silverware by winning the Europa League.
Long before Romero starred alongside Micky Van de Ven in Bilbao, Romero had flirted with the idea of playing in Spain amid links to Atletico Madrid. The Argentinian is perhaps the most Diego Simeone player there's ever been, and the Atleti boss wants to bolster his defence by signing the Ange Postecoglou disciple.
Diego Simeone confirms obvious Atletico Madrid interest in Cristian Romero
Simeone was in a rather spiky mood off the back of his side's comprehensive 4-0 defeat to European champions Paris Saint-Germain in their opening game at the Club World Cup.
The Atleti boss complained about the ease at which Luis Enrique was able to capture Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the winter, perhaps in a bid to gain sympathy in the aftermath of a beatdown against state-backed opposition. The poor bloke only shelled out close to €200m on fresh talent last summer, including €75m on Julian Alvarez. He can only do so much!
Spurs icon Clement Lenglet was sent off in Atleti's defeat on Monday, and it seems as if Simeone is particularly keen on bolstering his backline ahead of the new season—even if Lenglet will remain in the Spanish capital.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone on #thfc centre-back Cristian Romero: "Do I want Cuti Romero? Obviously! He is a great player." [Olé]
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) June 16, 2025
The Argentine was asked by Diario Ole (via Hotspur Related on X) about their reported interest in Romero, to which he replied, reportedly with a big (sadistic) grin on his face: “Do I want Cuti Romero? Obviously! He’s a great player."
Admittedly, it's a move that makes almost too much sense. Allowing Simeone to get his hands on a centre-back talent like Romero would be cruel, and it's fair to say that the Argentine would be the finest exponent of El Cholo's encouraged dark arts since Diego Godin left town.
The Spanish-speaking Spurs star has expressed his desire to one day play in La Liga, and he'd doubtless be intrigued by Atleti given the array of Argentinians that make up Simeone's squad.
Postecoglou's exit has seemingly increased the likelihood of his departure given how close he was to the Australian manager, and Thomas Frank will have to do plenty of convincing for 'Cuti' to stick around. If the Dane's unable to, Spurs must demand top dollar for the 27-year-old who has two years left on his contract.