Argentina squad set for post-World Cup shake-up as Romero, Almada, and Medina reportedly near transfers
Fresh off their World Cup run, several key Argentina national team players are on the move during the 2026 summer transfer window, with Cristian Romero, Thiago Almada, and Facundo Medina all reportedly closing in on new deals. Argentina made waves during the 2026 World Cup by storming all the way to the final before suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain. Now, key members of that runner-up squad are generating significant buzz across the summer transfer window, with Cristian Romero, Thiago Almada, and Facundo Medina all nearing high-profile moves. One of the defining sagas of the summer window centers on Cristian Romero, the Tottenham Hotspur captain who made his desire to depart North London clear at the end of the club season. Coming off a standout campaign in the World Cup that earned him a nomination for defender of the tournament, the star center back is now closing in on his next destination. As reported by transfer insider Nicolo Schira and ESPN Argentina‘s Esteban Edul, Romero has agreed to personal terms with Atletico Madrid. While Inter Milan pursued his signature, valuation hurdles stalled talks, allowing Los Colchoneros to strike an agreement on a €6 million annual salary through 2030 with a club option for 2031. Final club-to-club negotiations with Tottenham are expected to wrap up between €40 million and €45 million. Meanwhile, transfer reporter Cesar Luis Merlo reported that Thiago Almada will leave Atlwtico Madrid to sign with Argentine power River Plate. The versatile forward, who opened the World Cup as a starter before seeing his minutes drop as the tournament progressed, will sign a three-and-a-half-year contract in a €20 million deal for 100% of his rights, with Atletico retaining a €40 million buyback clause. (L-R) Palacios, Tagliafico, Romero and Almada of Argentina during a training session. (Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images) Finally, French outlet L’Equipe revealed that Bayer Leverkusen reached a verbal agreement with Marseille to acquire Facundo Medina for €23 million plus €2 million in add-ons on a five-year deal. Naturally a central defender, Medina filled in capably at left back following Nicolas Tagliafico’s injury, cementing his status as one of the most reliable anchors along La Albiceleste’s back line. More Argentine stars featured in transfer speculation While Argentina’s collective output fell just short of repeating its 2022 championship triumph, the squad’s individual stars continue to command massive interest across Europe. Although Emiliano Martinez’s rumored move to Juventus has officially fallen through, several other marquee names remain linked to potential departures. The headline story involves Julian Alvarez, with Barcelona making a push to acquire the star striker, who has publicly signaled his intent to leave Atletico Madrid. Barcelona sporting director Deco traveled to Madrid this week to meet with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, as the Catalan club prepares its final proposal, even while Atlético continues to demand his full €500 million release clause. Elsewhere, reporter Fabrizio Romano indicates that English side Ipswich Town and Bundesliga club RB Leipzig are actively pursuing midfielder Exequiel Palacios, with negotiations ongoing. Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo reports that AS Roma is pushing to sign Nicolas Gonzalez, who returned to Juventus after a loan stint with Atletico Madrid; Juventus values the winger at €30 million, while Roma’s initial valuation sits closer to €20 million. Two additional transactions are also entering the final stages. Right back Nahuel Molina is finalizing the remaining details of his move to Roma, while teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono, who has already worn Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt, is set to join Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid, with only final contract signatures remaining before the deal becomes official.
