The total package for the Argentina international is understood to be worth about £34.2 million (€40 million). The agreement would bring Romero’s five-year spell in north London close to an end, although the transfer remains subject to completion of the final formalities.
Atletico have long admired the 28-year-old centre-back, and the player is believed to favour a move to the Spanish capital despite interest from Inter Milan and Arsenal. Reports indicate that personal terms have been agreed on a four-year contract with an option for an additional season.
The inclusion of the sell-on provision is a significant part of Tottenham’s arrangement. It would entitle Spurs to 15% of a future transfer fee if Atletico later sell the defender.
Why the sell-on clause matters
Tottenham are set to receive a lower fee than the amount paid to bring Romero from Atalanta in 2021. The future-sale clause offers the Premier League club a chance to recover additional value if the defender’s market price rises during his time in Madrid.
Such clauses are commonly used when clubs accept an immediate valuation below their original target. Their eventual value depends on the precise drafting — particularly whether the percentage applies to the full future fee or only to Atletico’s profit — and the complete contract has not been made public.
The reported £34.2 million agreement therefore represents the guaranteed headline value, while the 15% provision could create a further return for Spurs later.
Romero poised for Tottenham exit
Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta, initially on loan, before making the move permanent. He has since made 156 appearances and scored 13 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as one of the club’s most prominent defenders and later taking over the captaincy.
A World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, Romero is known for his aggressive front-foot defending, aerial strength and ability to play out from the back. Those qualities make him a natural fit for Diego Simeone’s intense approach at Atletico.
His final season in north London was disrupted by disciplinary problems and a serious knee injury. Even so, his departure would remove an experienced leader from Tottenham’s defence and mark another major step in the squad’s rebuild.
Spurs reshape their defence
Tottenham have already moved to strengthen their defensive options, adding Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. Micky van de Ven is also expected to remain central to the club’s plans after agreeing a new long-term contract.
New head coach Roberto De Zerbi is overseeing a substantial summer overhaul, and the sale of Romero would create further room to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes.
For Atletico, the deal would add an experienced international defender at a relatively modest initial price. Romero’s familiarity with high-pressure matches and his competitive style could allow him to settle quickly under Simeone.
What happens next
An agreement in principle is not the same as a completed transfer. The clubs must finalise the documentation, while Romero would ordinarily undergo a medical before signing and being formally registered.
Until Tottenham or Atletico issue an official announcement, the fee, contract length and sell-on clause should be treated as reported terms. Confirmation is expected once the remaining steps have been completed.