Real Madrid are on the verge of offloading Theo Hernandez, who is reportedly closing in on a season-long loan move to Real Sociedad.
According to Diario AS, Real Sociedad have agreed terms with Real Madrid regarding Theo Hernandez. It is believed that the former Atletico Madrid full-back will be shipped to Anoeta on a season-long loan deal, following a disappointing debut season at the Bernabeu.
In fact, the report suggests that it is only a matter of time before both sides announce the deal. However, it is understood that the season-long loan deal will not include a purchase option, suggesting the fact that Real Madrid are well aware of his potential and intend on keeping hold of him.
That being said, the highly talented full-back has found life difficult since moving to Atletico’s cross-town rivals. He was often overlooked due to the presence of the mercurial Marcelo. But, even when the Brazilian international was struggling with injuries, former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane opted for Nacho instead of the 20-year-old left-back, at times.
Theo featured in only 13 league games for Real Madrid last season with the high point being his performance against Borussia Dortmund in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Thus, Hernandez will be eager to rediscover his form at Real Sociedad, where he’s expected to be a regular fixture in the starting eleven considering their lack of options in that particular spot. Kevin Rodrigues and Alberto de la Bella were the main competitors for the left-back spot last campaign.
However, de la Bella has already entered the final phase of his career, leaving Sociedad with Rodrigues as their only reliable option for the new season. Therefore, the addition of Hernandez will undoubtedly be a huge boost for Asier Garitano & co.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are the definite winners of this deal for a number of reasons. As mentioned earlier, Los Blancos will not include a purchase option in Hernandez’s loan agreement, which is logical given the fact that Marcelo has often struggled with recurring injuries in the past few seasons.
Thus, Theo Hernandez is definitely a future prospect Real Madrid should take good care of and his loan move to Sociedad will only help him redeem himself as one of the most promising full-backs in the Spanish top flight.
But, while the 20-year-old seeks to make an impact at Anoeta, Real Madrid will have the services of Nacho, who has often emerged as their asset, especially in times of an injury crisis. The Spanish international is very solid at the back and is certainly a proven individual who can easily take on the mantle of being Marcelo’s primary alternative.
Additionally, the newly appointed Julen Lopetegui will also have Fabio Coentrao at his disposal. The 30-year-old left-back returned from his loan spell at Sporting CP at the start of this month. So, it looks like Real Madrid should have enough cover for a season while Theo gets back on track in his career.
