Aston Villa Are Keen On Recruiting This La Liga Defender: Should Emery Move In For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, ESPN revealed that Aston Villa are keen on recruiting Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso. It has been claimed that the Villans are eyeing a move to secure the services of the Spanish central defender who is set to leave the Madrid club on a free transfer this summer.

Hermoso’s Good Run Of Form In Spanish Football

Hermoso has put in a run of impressive displays at the centre of Diego Simone’s defence this season. The Spanish talent has been involved in 36 matches for the Madrid outfit this season, netting two goals and grabbing one assist in various competitions.

The 28-year-old has been a dominant presence when defending inside his half based on his average of 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from the back after completing 87.1% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the Madrid club will run out at the end of this campaign. Hence, the Villans could potentially land him on a free transfer in the summer transfer period.

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 13: Mario Hermoso of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and SS Lazio at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on December 13, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Move In For Hermoso?

Hermoso is a tough-tackling defender who can make some crucial interceptions for his team on the defensive third of the pitch. He usually clears his lines when at risk of being caught out at the back and excels at playing his way out from inside his half.

We can expect Hermoso to add more bite and steel to Aston Villa‘s backline. He might help the Villans sustain another top-four push in the Premier League next season. Therefore, Unai Emery would be wise to move in for the Spanish talent by offering him a contract when the transfer window reopens later this year.

At 28, Hermoso is playing some of the best football of his playing career. Therefore, the West Midlands club should focus on getting a deal done for the Spanish defensive ace later this year. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League if Emery can find a way to get him on board.