Cristian Romero, Thiago Almada, and Facundo Medina, three key members of Argentina's 2026 World Cup runner-up squad, are close to completing transfers this week. The moves signal a reshuffle for La Albiceleste following their final defeat to Spain.
Journalist Nicolo Schira and Esteban Edul stated that Romero has reached a personal agreement with Atletico Madrid. The center-back and Tottenham Hotspur captain is set for an annual salary of 6 million euros until 2030. Club-to-club negotiations to finalize his transfer are expected to conclude for a fee between 40 and 45 million euros, after Inter Milan faced valuation hurdles. Romero was nominated for best defender of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament where Argentina displayed defensive solidity you can review in our stats section.
Thiago Almada will leave Atletico Madrid to sign for River Plate. Reporter Cesar Luis Merlo stated the deal is for three and a half years, costing 20 million euros for 100% of his rights. Atletico retains a 40 million euro buyback clause. Almada, a versatile forward, started the World Cup as a starter but saw his minutes reduced as the tournament progressed. His return to Argentina comes at a time of high expectation in South American football.
Facundo Medina is set to join Bayer Leverkusen from Olympique de Marseille. It was revealed on Tuesday that a verbal agreement is in place for 23 million euros plus 2 million in add-ons, on a five-year contract. Medina, a natural center-back, capably covered the left-back position following Nicolas Tagliafico's injury during the World Cup. His adaptability is an added asset for the German side.
The transfer activity does not stop with those three names. Several other Argentine internationals are the subject of strong speculation. Julian Alvarez is the most prominent case, with Barcelona making moves through sporting director Deco, who traveled to Madrid to meet with the striker's agent, Fernando Hidalgo. Atletico Madrid remains firm on his 500 million euro release clause.
Exequiel Palacios is attracting interest from English side Ipswich Town and Germany's RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, Nicolas Gonzalez is being pursued by AS Roma, though there is a valuation gap with his owning club Juventus. Nahuel Molina is finalizing the details of his move to Roma, and young prospect Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid.
This wave of transfers shows the high individual level reached by the Argentine squad, even in final defeat. The players are proving their worth in the most competitive markets in Europe and South America. The experience gained at top clubs will be vital for the coming cycle, with eyes on new international competitions. The core of the team that competed in 2026 remains, but with renewed club roles and contexts, which will be reflected in future collective performance.
