Atlético Madrid Signs Argentina Defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham

FILED - 16 June 2026, US, Kansas City: Argentina's Cristian Romero in action during the 2026 world cup match between Argentina and Algeria. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa
FILED - 16 June 2026, US, Kansas City: Argentina's Cristian Romero in action during the 2026 world cup match between Argentina and Algeria. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa
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Atlético Madrid Signs Argentina Defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham

FILED - 16 June 2026, US, Kansas City: Argentina's Cristian Romero in action during the 2026 world cup match between Argentina and Algeria. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa
FILED - 16 June 2026, US, Kansas City: Argentina's Cristian Romero in action during the 2026 world cup match between Argentina and Algeria. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa

Atlético Madrid confirmed the signing of Argentina defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero from Tottenham for a fee reported to be 34 million pounds ($46 million) on Saturday.

The 28-year-old center-back signed a five-year deal through June 2031, The Associated Press quoted the Spanish club as saying.

Romero played for the Argentina team that lost the World Cup final to Spain, and he was a member of the side that won the tournament in 2022. He has played 58 games for Argentina.

Romero captained Spurs last season, making 32 appearances to take his tally to 156 since he joined the club from Atalanta in 2021, Tottenham said. He arrived on loan initially, then in a permanent deal a year later.

Atlético described Romero as “an experienced defender who is highly physical, quick to anticipate danger and decisive in the tackle, with considerable authority and leadership on the pitch.”

He also previously had spells at Genoa and Juventus after leaving hometown club Belgrano in 2018.



Iraola: Liverpool's Como Double-header a Key Test Before New Season

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Liverpool v AS Monaco - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 9, 2026 Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Liverpool v AS Monaco - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 9, 2026 Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo
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Iraola: Liverpool's Como Double-header a Key Test Before New Season

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Liverpool v AS Monaco - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 9, 2026 Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Liverpool v AS Monaco - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 9, 2026 Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo

Liverpool's double-header against Serie A side Como on Sunday will be a good test ahead of the new Premier League season, manager Andoni Iraola said on Saturday.

Liverpool, who lost pre-season fixtures against Leeds United and AS Monaco, will face Como twice on Sunday, with one match to be played behind closed doors before the second at Anfield.

Iraola said he took positives from last weekend's 3-2 defeat by Monaco but acknowledged his side must improve their consistency ahead of the new campaign.

"The problem ⁠we had, as ⁠we had against Leeds in Chicago, was that we were not able to sustain our levels and that is something that can only happen with time and with a lot of hard work on the training ground," Iraola told the club's TV ⁠channel.

"I have spoken many times about the type of team I want to see on the pitch, about the intensity, the intent and the energy we are looking for, and while it is clear that there is still a lot of improvement to come, I believe that we are moving in the right direction."

Iraola said Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had returned to training after the World Cup, giving him ⁠a full ⁠squad ahead of the new season, and added that it was now up to the players to deliver consistent performances.

Liverpool also strengthened their defensive options by signing Uruguay international Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona last week, with Iraola welcoming the addition of a player of his quality and experience.

"I am sure he will settle in quickly and have a positive impact on our squad," Reuters quoted him as saying.

Liverpool will start their Premier League season at Newcastle United on August 23


Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise after Inter Milan Move Breaks Down

FILE - Union SG's Charles Vanhoutte, right, and Union SG's Anan Khalaili, center, fight for the ball against Glimt's Philip Zinckernagel during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Union SG and Bodo/Glimt at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, on Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)
FILE - Union SG's Charles Vanhoutte, right, and Union SG's Anan Khalaili, center, fight for the ball against Glimt's Philip Zinckernagel during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Union SG and Bodo/Glimt at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, on Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)
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Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise after Inter Milan Move Breaks Down

FILE - Union SG's Charles Vanhoutte, right, and Union SG's Anan Khalaili, center, fight for the ball against Glimt's Philip Zinckernagel during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Union SG and Bodo/Glimt at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, on Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)
FILE - Union SG's Charles Vanhoutte, right, and Union SG's Anan Khalaili, center, fight for the ball against Glimt's Philip Zinckernagel during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Union SG and Bodo/Glimt at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, on Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

Crystal Palace announced the signing of Anan Khalaili from Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Saturday, weeks after the Israel winger’s proposed move to Inter Milan broke down.

The 21-year-old Khalaili, who primarily plays on the right, signed a five-year deal “subject to international clearance,” the Premier League team said on its website. British media reported the transfer fee was 24.5 million euros ($28 million).

The transfer comes a month after Inter president Giuseppe Marotta said at a press conference that Khalaili had not been given medical clearance to join after the sides had agreed on a transfer, The Associated Press reported.

Marotta said: “Italy has very strict legislation protecting players’ health, with decisions made by an independent body rather than the club’s medical staff. We have to abide by this decision.”

Inter’s loss is seemingly Palace’s gain.

Khalaili developed at hometown club Maccabi Haifa before moving to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgum in 2024.

Khalaili has made 16 appearances for Israel. He is the fifth summer signing for Palace after Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand.


World Cup Winner Ferran Torres Signs for Paris Saint-Germain

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - July 19, 2026 Spain's Ferran Torres reacts REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - July 19, 2026 Spain's Ferran Torres reacts REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo
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World Cup Winner Ferran Torres Signs for Paris Saint-Germain

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - July 19, 2026 Spain's Ferran Torres reacts REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US - July 19, 2026 Spain's Ferran Torres reacts REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

Spain international Ferran Torres, who scored the only goal in last month's World Cup final, signed for two-time Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain from Barcelona on Saturday.

The 26-year-old striker cost the Ligue 1 champions a reported 50 million euros ($58 million), AFP reported.

"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce it has secured the services of Ferran Torres. The Spanish World Cup-winning forward has signed with the Club until 2031," read the club statement.

The former Valencia and Manchester City star is reunited with PSG coach Luis Enrique, who as Spain coach gave him his international debut in a Nations League match against Germany in 2020.

Torres, who won three La Liga titles while at Barcelona, came on as a substitute in the World Cup final and the 65-times capped marksman scored in extra-time to dash Argentina's hopes of retaining their title.

Nicknamed 'The Shark', he joined Barcelona in the 2021/22 season transfer window and in 207 matches for FC Barcelona, he found the net 65 times, including in the Copa del Rey final victory against Real Madrid in 2025.

"The Club would like to express its gratitude to Ferran Torres for his commitment over the last four and a half seasons as a blaugrana and wishes him all the best for the next stage of his professional career," said Barcelona in a statement on their website.

His arrival in the French capital may raise Premier League side Liverpool's hopes of signing PSG's 23-year-old livewire wing Bradley Barcola, who sparkled for France at the World Cup.

The two clubs have been in discussions for weeks, with PSG's apparent asking price of around 150 million euros ($173 million) proving the stumbling block.