Atletico Madrid star to join Aston Villa for free following confirmation of summer exit | OneFootball

On Saturday, it was confirmed by multiple sources that Mario Hermoso will be leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer. The 28-year-old defender sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and after numerous failed negotiations, the decision has been taken for the two parties to part ways.

The news will have been welcomed in the offices of multiple clubs across Europe. Inter Milan are one of those considered to be very attentive to Hermoso’s situation, although for now, they are behind Aston Villa in the race.

According to Diario AS, Unai Emery’s side are closing in on the free signing of Hermoso – his reasons for prioritising Villa over other clubs is his attraction to the Premier League, and also the already-existing Spanish presence at the Birmingham-based club, which includes Emery, sporting director Monchi and players Pau Torres and Alex Moreno.

Losing Hermoso is a big for Atletico Madrid, especially considering that he has been an undisputed starter for Diego Simeone over the last couple of years. It will be a tall task to replace him, although plans are already underway to do just that.