Aston Villa‘s transfer activity this summer shows no signs of subsiding, with the Premier League club reportedly set to launch a move for versatile Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.
According to Gol Digital, Hermoso is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League, with Aston Villa leading the race to sign the Spaniard. But, they could face competition from Everton, who are also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old centre-back.
Hermoso rose through the ranks of the Real Madrid academy, but never made an appearance for the senior team. He was eventually sold to Espanyol, where he built a reputation for being a solid and versatile centre-half.
His displays caught the eye of Atletico Madrid, who snapped him up in 2019. Hermoso has since featured 61 times for Diego Simeone’s side in all competitions. He was instrumental in their La Liga triumph last season, making 31 appearances across multiple positions.
Hermoso has three years left on his current deal and Atletico Madrid are under no pressure to sell. But reports suggest that a bid of over €30 million could tempt the Spanish champions into parting with their prized asset.
Is Mario Hermoso the right option for Aston Villa?
Aston Villa have recruited heavily over the summer with Dean Smith looking to build a side capable of challenging for a European spot. Villa have roped in Emiliano Buendia, Ashley Young, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings among others, but their only defensive signing has been Axel Tuanzebe on loan from Manchester United.
Mario Hermoso would be a fantastic addition to the squad. The Spaniard will add plenty of experience and solidity to the Villa backline.
Villa currently boast a solid centre-back pairing in Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings, but Hermoso is arguably a huge upgrade on both. A typical modern-day Spanish centre-half, Hermoso excels with the ball at his feet. He has fantastic distribution and can start attacks from the back. Last season, he averaged over 57 passes per game with a success rate of 84.2%.
In terms of passes into the final third, Hermoso ranked in the 93rd percentile across Europe’s top-five leagues.
Playing under a manager like Diego Simeone, Hermoso also honed his defensive skills. He is a great reader of the game and strong in the air. Last season, he averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.1 aerial duels won per game.
But it’s his versatility that stands out. He is equally comfortable playing at centre-back or on the left side of a back-four.
At 26 years of age, he has plenty of top-level football left in him. Villa are building an exciting project at the moment and Hermoso’s addition will be massive.
Stats via Whoscored