Real Madrid eye former Atletico Madrid star to strengthen the defensive unit – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are scouring the market for a new defender following the season-ending injury to Eder Militao, who is expected to be out for around nine months at least.

Aymeric Laporte, Castello Lukeba, and Jonathan Tah are among the names being looked at by Los Blancos while Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato is also on the club’s agenda.

Mario Hermoso on the radars

Now, MARCA reports that Real Madrid have also set their sights on former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso as an option to reinforce the backline.

The 29-year-old is a product of the Real Madrid academy and is still fondly remembered at the club even though he left in 2017 without making a senior appearance, signing for RCD Espanyol.

Mario Hermoso on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Hermoso spent five years at Atletico Madrid between 2019 and 2024 before signing for AS Roma this past summer as a free agent.

The Spanish international has become a regular starter for the Serie A giants and has seemingly caught the attention of his boyhood club.

Hermoso is appreciated as an option by Real Madrid due to his experience in La Liga as well as the versatility he brings to the table as he can operate as a centre-back and left-back.

Furthermore, his knowledge of the club, having spent several years rising through the youth ranks and his ball-playing abilities also work in his favour.

Hermoso, for his part, would be open to a return to Spain even though he has adapted well to life in Italy. However, with a contract until 2027, he could cost a sizeable fee, especially with Roma having signed him less than six months ago.