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That's why Atlético de Madrid paid 40 million

Hugo Fernández - 7 Nov 2026 | 21:30
Atlético de Madrid Cristian Romero España Fichajes España

A new episode puts Atlético de Madrid in front of the mirror with Cuti Romero

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Atlético de Madrid once again does not have Cuti Romero.

On the football front, Cuti Romero has quickly justified the investment in the Atlético de Madrid's transfer market. His aggression in duels, speed in interceptions, ability to defend forward, and personality have raised the level of the rojiblanca defense. It's no coincidence that Simeone insisted on his signing for two years. The Argentine coach found in him the defensive leader he needed to regain the solidity that the team had lost.

The numbers support his impact. In the six matches he started, Atlético achieved five victories and one defeat, conceded only four goals, and kept a clean sheet four times. Without him, the team has managed two victories, conceded an average of 1.25 goals per game, and allowed more shots. The difference is significant, though it should also be noted that these are samples from different matches and minutes.

His own individual performance confirms his importance. Romero excels in defensive duels, clearances, and interceptions and has become a key figure that allows Simeone to give more freedom to players like Marc Pubill and David Hancko. His presence changes the way Atlético defends and adds a hierarchy that is not easily found in the market.

Injuries bring attention back to the 40 million

The problem is that Atlético signed a differential player, but also one whose physical history required caution. In his last season in England, he played 32 of the 52 matches for Tottenham. He missed 14 due to physical problems and another six due to suspension. In the 2024-25 season, his availability was even more limited: he was present in 26 of his team's 60 matches, according to data collected by El País.

Concern moved to the Metropolitano from the very first moment. Romero suffered physical issues during preseason and could not complete his preparation normally. The coaching staff decided to manage his workload and substitute him before the end of some matches to avoid risks. The priority was to have him available for important games, not to push him from August.

 

 

But the calendar eventually took its toll. On October 18, the Argentine suffered a muscle strain in the match against Espanyol and had to leave the field in the 67th minute. Tests confirmed a low-grade thigh injury, with an initial prognosis of ten to fifteen days out. However, his recovery has taken longer than expected.

Romero could not play against Stuttgart or Deportivo, he also did not have minutes against Levante, and ultimately he was left out of the squad against Bayern. He will also not be available against Barcelona, a match where his absence represents a significant setback for Simeone. Additionally, the center-back has been excluded from Argentina's squad for the upcoming international commitments.

A 40 million signing with star impact

The best Cuti Romero reminds one of those center-backs who cost over a hundred million. However, the valuation of 100 million euros should be understood as a reference to the footballing level and the price that a center-back of his characteristics could reach in a highly competitive market, not as his official market value. In fact, Transfermarkt currently rates him around 40 million, while other estimates have valued him above that figure.

 

 

Atlético, in any case, managed to close a deal that a few months ago seemed much more expensive. The price drop was due to the player's desire to leave Tottenham and the doubts surrounding his physical availability. The rojiblanco club accepted that risk because they understood they were acquiring a top-level defender in full competitive maturity.

The initial sports assessment is positive: when he plays, Romero improves Atlético. The question remains how many matches he can offer throughout a full season. If he can maintain continuity and put his muscle issues behind him, the 40 million could become one of the great market opportunities in Simeone's project. The talent is already proven; now it remains to be seen if his physique allows him to sustain it.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Por eso el Atlético de Madrid pagó 40 millones