Carlos Romero (footballer, born 2001)

Carlos Romero Serrano (born 29 October 2001) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for  club Espanyol, on loan from Villarreal.

Club career
Born in Valencia, Serrano was a CF Torre Levante youth graduate. He made his first team debut on 10 November 2018, coming on as a late substitute and being sent off in a 1–0 Tercera División home loss against Atzeneta UE.

On 24 May 2019, Romero signed for Villarreal CF, and was initially assigned to the youth sides. He was definitely promoted to the C-team also in the fourth tier in October 2020, and became an undisputed starter for the side during the 2021–22 season.

Ahead of the 2022–23 campaign, Romero was promoted to the reserves in Segunda División. He made his professional debut on 29 August 2022, replacing Dani Tasende late into a 3–0 away loss against Granada CF.

Romero made his first team – and La Liga – debut on 17 September 2023, starting in a 2–1 home win over UD Almería. On 28 November, he extended his contract with Villarreal until June 2027.

On 9 July 2024, Romero was loaned to fellow top tier side RCD Espanyol for the season.