Aston Villa and Mario Hermoso have reportedly advanced their talks to seal a Bosman move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Mario Hermoso is a top target for Aston Villa to bolster the defensive unit in the summer transfer window. The Villans are in advanced talks with the 28-year-old La Liga-winning defender in a Bosman move after he leaves Atletico Madrid as a free agent.
Mario Hermoso and his Atletico Madrid journey
Mario Hermoso has been a regular face in La Liga for nearly half a dozen years. A graduate of Real Madrid’s fabled La Fabrica division, the Madrid native rose in prominence during his stint with Espanyol. Two seasons with the Catalan outfit helped the Spaniard become a household name before Atletico Madrid secured his services in a deal worth €25 million in July 2019.
But Los Rojiblancos will not recoup anything from the investment of €25 million, with Hermoso entering the final six months of his contract. The 28-year-old, who has won the league title with Atletico Madrid, has turned out 165 times thus far for the Colchoneros, chipping in with ten goals and five assists.
But talks between the Spanish international and Atletico Madrid over a new contract have not progressed. So, he will likely leave the club as a free agent in the summer transfer window, with a Bosman move away from La Liga on the cards. Aston Villa might be the next destination for Hermoso, especially with Barcelona ruling out a deal.
England Calling?
Aston Villa’s interest in Mario Hermoso is understandable. The Midlands outfit might not complete a permanent move for Clement Lenglet, who will rejoin La Liga champions Barcelona after his loan stint ends. In addition, Diego Carlos faces an uncertain future at Villa Park after being in and out of the starting lineup this season.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will likely part ways with Calum Chambers, who has become a peripheral figure for the club. Hermoso has thus emerged as a viable target, with Aston Villa already submitting a contract offer to him. And the latest update has suggested that talks between Villa and the 28-year-old La Liga-winning defender have advanced.
Meanwhile, Juventus might not secure Hermoso’s services, with the Serie A giants cooling their interest in him. So, the Spanish defender will likely join Aston Villa amid advancing talks between the two parties.
