Barcelona have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid centre-back Mario Hermoso as a possible defensive reinforcement this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, the dealings between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are becoming muddled by the day. While Antoine Griezmann could possible return to the Wanda Metropolitano, the part-exchange deal could include Mario Hermoso, with Saul Niguez also being a part of that deal.
Mario Hermoso joined Atletico Madrid from Espanyol in the summer of 2019 and has since become a regular feature for Los Rojiblancos. To date, the 26-year-old has made 61 appearances for the Spanish giants, chipping in with two goals and an assist along the way.
This past season, Hermoso was a mainstay at the back for the Colchoneros, as they beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title. However, the Spanish international’s time at the Wanda Metropolitano could be up, with Barcelona showing an interest in swooping him away from Atletico Madrid this summer.
Barcelona are reportedly in the market for a defensive reinforcement despite signing Eric Garcia. That is because, with both Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, signing a left-footed centre-back has become the need of the hour for the Blaugrana. To that end, Alessandro Bastoni is among the centre-backs on Barcelona’s radar.
At the same time, Barcelona also need to sign a replacement for Junior Firpo, who has joined Leeds United this summer. While young Alejandro Balde could be a possible solution to that end, the 17-year-old has recently been linked with a possible switch to Chelsea, meaning the Catalan giants have to keep their options open.
As a result, a number of left-backs have been linked with Barcelona as well, including Angelino. In Mario Hermoso, though, Barcelona will have two-pronged solution as the Atletico Madrid defender is capable of playing of playing as a centre-back as well as a left-back equally adeptly.
As per the report, Hermoso could be a part of the part-exchange deal that could well see Antoine Griezmann return to Atletico Madrid, with Saul Niguez arriving at Camp Nou along with his compatriot. What now remains to be seen is if such a complicated deal can see the light of the day, with Barcelona solving their financial issues while bolstering their squad at the same time.
