Atlético Madrid are exploring an unusual strategy to strengthen their defence while also trying to persuade Julián Alvarez to remain at the club. Their plan is to bring in Alvarez’s Argentina team-mate and close friend Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The thinking is straightforward: signing Romero could solve a defensive need while giving Atlético an important ally in their efforts to keep Alvarez in Madrid.
Alvarez’s future has become a major talking point. The Argentina forward has been linked with a move away from Atlético, with Barcelona reportedly among the clubs interested in securing his services. Real Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Alvarez himself appeared to fuel speculation over his future during the latest World Cup. After Argentina’s group-stage victory over Austria, he spoke about wanting to leave Atlético in pursuit of what he described as a ‘dream’. Reports subsequently suggested that Barcelona was his preferred destination.
Atlético, however, have shown little willingness to negotiate. The Madrid club rejected a reported €100 million offer from Barcelona and went as far as filing a complaint with the Spanish Football Federation over the Catalan club’s approach.
On paper, Atlético remain in a strong position. Alvarez’s contract runs until June 2030 and includes a €500 million release clause. Yet the club are clearly aware that a long-term contract alone may not settle the issue if the player’s ambitions point elsewhere.
That is where Romero could become significant.
Romero, widely known by his nickname ‘Cuti’, is a long-standing friend and Argentina team-mate of Alvarez. Atlético are reportedly considering a move for the Tottenham centre-back, with the club believing his arrival could benefit them both on and off the pitch.
Romero is expected to be open to leaving Tottenham during the current summer transfer window. His own preference is reportedly a move to Arsenal, although Tottenham are reluctant to sell him to a direct Premier League rival. That could potentially create an opportunity for Atlético.
A move to Madrid would also give Atlético a proven international defender. Romero has established himself as a key figure in Argentina’s defence, and his physical approach, defensive aggression and experience at the highest level would add considerable strength to the back line.
For Atlético, however, his value could extend beyond what he contributes on the pitch.
Romero and Alvarez have developed a close relationship through their years together with Argentina. Their age gap is only three years, and their friendship extends beyond international duty. Atlético reportedly believe Romero’s presence within the dressing room could help convince Alvarez that his future should remain in Madrid rather than moving to Barcelona.
Alvarez has previously spoken highly of Romero. After joining Atlético from Manchester City in 2024, the forward told Spanish media that Romero was the best defender he had faced. That assessment underlines the level of trust between the two players.
Atlético’s decision-makers are therefore hoping that bringing Romero to the club could have a positive influence on Alvarez. Having a close friend and trusted international team-mate alongside him could make staying at Atlético more attractive to the forward, particularly as the club continue to insist that they do not intend to sell him.
The potential deal would also address a sporting need. Atlético would strengthen their defence with a player who already knows Alvarez well, while potentially reducing one of the biggest uncertainties surrounding their attacking line.
The Spanish club are reportedly optimistic about securing Romero from Tottenham for around €40 million. No agreement has yet been completed, and the defender’s future remains open.
For Atlético, the calculation is clear. If they can sign Romero, they could reinforce one part of the team while using his relationship with Alvarez to help resolve another pressing issue.
Whether that strategy works remains to be seen. But with Barcelona and other major clubs monitoring Alvarez, Atlético are clearly looking beyond a simple transfer-market solution. They are hoping that friendship, trust and footballing ambition can all work in their favour.
