Tottenham announce permanent signing of Cristian Romero

Tottenham have completed the permanent signing of centre-back Cristiano Romero from Atalanta after initially signing the Argentina international on loan last summer.

Romero, who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for his aggressive style of defending, has penned a long-term contract until 2027.

The original loan agreement with Atalanta included an option for a permanent deal thought to be worth €55m (£47m).

The former Juventus player missed a chunk of last season because of injury but eventually found himself at home in Antonio Conte’s back-three, starting 15 consecutive Premier League games following his return to fitness at the start of February.

This season, Romero began the campaign in the starting XI but has missed Spurs’ last two wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest through injury. But he returned to training on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s London derby against West Ham.