Tottenham have officially announced the permanent signing of defender Cristian Romero from Atalanta, following his initial season-long loan move last year, on a deal that will run until 2027.
The Argentine international had his fair share of injuries during the 2021/22 campaign but once he regained full fitness, he became an integral part of Antonio Conte’s side as they secured a return to the Champions League with a top-four finish.
In his most recent press conference, Conte also provided a positive update on his-centre back's condition. Romero's latest injury setback was sustained in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea in just the second game of the Premier League season.
Speaking on Monday, Conte said: "About Romero and Skippy [Oliver Skipp], today they did the training session with us. For sure, we have to wait to tell that they are completely recovered, but this is a good sign for us, for the player."
Romero started Tottenham’s first two games of the campaign against Southampton and Chelsea, but it was during that 2-2 draw with the Blues at Stamford Bridge on August 14 that he suffered his latest injury, which is an adductor issue.
As reported by football.london, Romero was told by Spurs' medical department that the problem would require three to four weeks of recovery time, so far ruling him out of the victories over Wolves and Nottingham Forest and almost certainly Wednesday’s clash with West Ham.
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The Argentine wanted to get straight back into action with Spurs, but Conte explained it wasn't worth the risk. And that is certainly true for the long-run, with Romero comfortably Tottenham’s best defender as things stand.
Despite his return to training on Monday, it is unlikely that Conte will throw him back into contention for the trip to the London Stadium, although he may face a late fitness test with a view to a spot on the bench, with Davinson Sanchez continuing to deputise on the right side of the back three.
Nonetheless, the official confirmation of Romero’s stay becoming permanent in North London is welcome news at least, with the former Atalanta star one of the most highly-regarded players in Conte’s squad following his impressive debut campaign in England last season.
In September 2020, Romero joined Atalanta on season-long loan from Juventus with the option to buy, which Atalanta activated the following year for €16million (£13.6m) after the 24-year-old was elected the Best Defender in Serie A for the 2020-21 season.
However, Spurs sanctioned their own season-long loan move with an option to make the deal permanent almost immediately after he officially joined Atalanta. It proved to be a fantastic piece of business as the Argentine racked up 30 appearances across all competitions in his first campaign on English soil.
Romero became a vital part of Conte’s back three, showing his no-nonsense attitude and ability to bring the ball out from the back, as Spurs won 10 of their final 14 fixtures to secure a return to the Champions League with a fourth-place finish.
