Xavi Hernandez is reportedly pushing Barcelona to sign 28-year-old Spanish international Mario Hermoso from Atletico Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Mario Hermoso is the subject of interest from Xavi Hernandez. The Barcelona manager is eager to add a centre-back to his squad this year. And he is pushing the Blaugrana to poach Atletico Madrid for the 28-year-old defensive mainstay.
Mario Hermoso at Atletico Madrid: The Story So Far
Mario Hermoso has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Atletico Madrid from Espanyol in July 2019. The Spanish international was among the best defenders in La Liga when he arrived at the Civitas Metropolitano nearly half a decade ago. And while he has had some low points, he has become a mainstay at the back for Los Rojiblancos.
The 28-year-old has proven his worth by reprising different roles on the left-hand side of the Atletico Madrid backline. He has turned out over 150 times thus far for Atletico Madrid, chipping in with ten goals and five assists. Hermoso’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many well-known clubs, including Barcelona.
Barcelona Calling?
2023/24 has been a frustrating season thus far for Barcelona. While the reigning La Liga champions have overcome their struggles in the UEFA Champions League, they have blown hot and cold across competitions. In particular, they are lagging in the title race in La Liga, with Real Madrid and Girona well ahead of them.
In addition, Barcelona failed to overcome the Real Madrid test in the Spanish Super Cup final. That was as many losses in two El Clasico encounters this season. That has left Xavi Hernandez frustrated, with the Barcelona manager demanding signings to fix his squad. In particular, he wants a centre-back, with Mario Hermoso emerging as a target.
The eagerness to sign a centre-back comes in the wake of widespread rumours linking Andreas Christensen with a departure. While the Danish international wants to stay at FC Barcelona, he might return to the Premier League in the summer. Hermoso has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona.
The Spaniard’s versatility means he can be an asset for Barcelona on the left-hand side of the backline. But it will be interesting to see if the Catalan giants heed Xavi’s call for a centre-back signing by landing Mario Hermoso.
