Barcelona not working on free transfer move for Atletico Madrid defender – Romano | OneFootball

Owing to their financial situation, FC Barcelona have been closely monitoring the free-agent market in recent transfer windows.

The move has worked out quite well in some cases with the likes of Andreas Christensen, Ilkay Gundogan, and Franck Kessie (before leaving), becoming valuable players in the team.

Joan Laporta & co. will once again keep their eyes on the free-agent pool this summer for any market opportunities that might arise.

One such player who was reported to be on Barcelona’s radar was Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.

The Spanish international’s contract expires at the end of the season and renewal talks have not gone well, leading to exit rumours with Barça credited with an interest.

Barcelona not working to sign Hermoso

However, as per the latest update from Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are not working on a deal to sign Mario Hermoso on a free transfer in the summer.

The Italian transfer expert reports that there is still no progress made between Atletico and Hermoso as far as a new contract is concerned.

Despite the situation being as it is, Barcelona are uninterested in a move for the Spanish international and are not working on a Bosman move for him, with the same holding true for Juventus as well.

Mario Hermoso not a target for Barcelona. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Too many centre-backs

As things stand, Barcelona are already overloaded when it comes to the centre-back department.

Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, and Pau Cubarsi are all available at Xavi’s disposal while Mika Faye is knocking on the doors from Barça Atletic.

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet will be returning from their loan spells in the summer, although they are likely to be sold.

There is also talk of re-signing Chadi Riad from Real Betis in the summer, meaning there will be an abundance of options in defence at Barcelona.

As such, it does not make much sense to sign Hermoso in the summer, even if he would be available for free.