Cristian Romero: Tottenham complete deal for Atalanta defender for £42.5m
- Published
Romero signed for Juventus in July 2019 before loan spells at Genoa and Atalanta
Tottenham have signed Argentina defender Cristian Romero from Atalanta for £42.5m.
The fee is the second highest Spurs have paid for a player behind the £53.8m for Tanguy Ndombele in 2019.
Romero, 23, who won the Copa America with Argentina earlier in the summer, was voted the best defender in Serie A last season.
He becomes Spurs' third summer signing and takes their outlay leading up to the new season to nearly £70m.
Winger Bryan Gil joined from Sevilla in July while Pierluigi Gollini signed on loan, also from Atalanta.
Romero said he is "ready to start and give everything" for Spurs.
"I'm very happy to be wearing this shirt and to come to this club," he added.
"I want to thank the fans for all the messages. You wanted me here and here I am."
Spurs have not disclosed the length of Romero's contract.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said in June the club would have to be careful in the transfer market after sustaining losses of around £200m because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Subsequent questions have been raised over how the club intend to fund their transfers and whether that has any implication for the uncertainty around striker Harry Kane.
However, it is understood there are no negotiations ongoing for Kane, as suggested by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola earlier on Friday.
Romero had been high on the club's transfer list following the departure of Belgium centre-back Toby Alderweireld.
Romero started his career at Belgrano of the Argentine Primera Division in 2016 before moving to Italy to join Genoa in 2018.
He was bought by Juventus in July 2019 but remained at Genoa on loan for the 2019-20 season.
A second loan move, this time to Atalanta, was completed in September 2020, with Romero making 32 appearances and scoring two goals during his time at the club.
That loan came with an option to make the move permanent, which Atalanta activated in order to clear the defender to move on to Spurs.
The Bergamo club thanked Romero for his "unforgettable" 2020-21 season, one in which he scored three goals and provided four assists to help Atalanta finish third in Serie A, reach the Coppa Italia final and knockout stage of the Champions League.
"He scored decisive goals and provided crucial assists, and above all he [has] always worn our shirt with commitment, dedication and passion," Atalanta said.
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