Roma Outcast Edging Closer to Joining Fenerbahce | OneFootball

Fringe Roma defender Mario Hermoso is reportedly on the verge of joining Turkish Super Lig colossi Fenerbahce. According to Calciomercato, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, with Jose Mourinho eager to take the Spaniard to Istanbul.

Hermoso joined Roma last summer on a Bosman deal after running down his contract at Atletico Madrid. Despite arriving in Serie A as one of Europe’s elite center-backs, the 29-year-old has failed to find his footing at the Stadio Olimpico.

Indeed, he has only made 13 appearances for Roma this season, accumulating only 622 minutes across all competitions. Claudio Ranieri’s appointment has failed to further Hermoso’s cause. On the contrary, he has tumbled down the pecking order since the veteran coach’s return.

Therefore, the former Espanyol defender is open to leaving Roma after just six months. He turned down Galatasaray’s advances to team up with the Giallorossi in the summer transfer window. Despite receiving a lucrative €4.5 million net per season, he rejected a move to Turkey.

Fast forward six months, Hermoso could link up with Galatasaray’s fiercest rivals Fenerbahce. Mourinho’s employers would ideally sign him on loan with an option to buy. However, Roma would prefer an outright sale. Talks are underway, with both sides proceeding in good faith.

Hermoso’s departure would allow Roma to add to their defensive ranks in January. Ranieri’s men have set their sights on Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode. But they face stiff foreign competition for the prodigious fullback, with Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion vying for Kayode’s signature.