Aston Villa Are In A Good Position To Sign This Atletico Madrid Defender: Should Emery Go For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) mentioned that Aston Villa are in a good position to sign Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso this summer. However, it is understood that the Villans would have to compete with Beşiktaş, Juventus, Inter Milan and some clubs from Saudi Arabia in the race to land the Spanish centre-back.

Hermoso has enjoyed a solid campaign at the Madrid club after putting in a string of impressive displays for them on the defensive third of the pitch. The 28-year-old has scored two goals and picked up two assists in 41 matches for Los Blancos this season across multiple competitions.

The Spanish defensive ace has been a dominant presence when defending inside his half as he is averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in La Liga. He has also been accurate when interchanging possession with his teammates after making 87.3% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).

Hermoso is under contract at the Spanish club until the end of this campaign. Therefore, the Villans could sign him on a free transfer later this summer.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – APRIL 16: Mario Hermoso of Atletico Madrid celebrates after Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund (not pictured) scores an own goal, Atletico Madrid’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 16, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Go For Hermoso?

Hermoso is a solid tackler of the ball and can make some important interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the front foot and can use his robust 1.84m to win a few aerial duels for his team.

The Spanish talent has got a wealth of experience at the highest level and is well-equipped to make an instant impact at Villa Park if he can make a smooth transition to life in English football. Hermoso would add more bite and steel to Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s defence. He might even help the Villans compete across all fronts in the coming years.

At 28, Hermoso is about to enter his prime and is on an expiring contract which makes him a worthy target for the West Midlands club to consider at the end of this season.