Man United open talks to sign Mario Hermoso on a free transfer – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United have made “official contacts” with Mario Hermoso’s representatives over signing the former Atletico Madrid defender on a free transfer, according to a report from Spain.

Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez, a Spanish journalist, reveals Old Trafford executives have begun negotiations with Heromoso whose contract with Atletico expired in June.

The reporter contends the defender is looking for a three-year deal with a salary of €6 million gross.

EXCL: El #ManchesterUnited inicia contactos oficiales con el ex jugador del #AtleticoMadrid, Mario Hermoso.
Por ahora las negociaciones se encuentran en la fase inicial y habrá que ver cómo evoluciona.
El defensa está pidiendo salario de 6M Brutos y contrato de 3 años. pic.twitter.com/4BEKq9XBKA

— Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez (@ramirezmaximodc) August 9, 2024

Translated Tweet: “EXCL: The #ManchesterUnited initiates official contacts with the former player of #AtleticoMadrid , Mario Hermoso.

For now, negotiations are in the initial phase and we will have to see how they develop. The defender is asking for a gross salary of 6M and a 3-year contract.”

The 29-year-old defender played 131 times for Los Colchoneros during his five years at the club, helping Diego Simeone’s side to win La Liga in 2021 – only the second time a side other than Barcelona or Madrid had been crowned champions in Spain’s first division in the last twenty years.

Simeone’s sides are built on a foundation of defensive solidity. To be a regular starter in the Argentine coach’s backline over a five-year period is a testament to Hermoso’s prowess as a defender.

The Spaniard is capable of playing at left-back or centre-back and is a technically gifted footballer. This positional versatility is likely to be one of the primary reasons United are reportedly targeting the 29-year-old.

Erik ten Hag is facing a dilemma over who to start in defence for this weekend’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley.

Question marks over the fitness of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw, as well as confirmed long-term injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro, mean the Dutchman may have to rely on 36-year-old Jonny Evans at centre-back and 17-year-old Harry Amass at left-back.

From this perspective, an approach to a seasoned defender with Champions League and international experience, capable of playing in either of these problem positions, on a free transfer, appears a no-brainer.

And while a potential move for Hermoso will come too late for tomorrow’s match against the club’s local rivals, if United were able to strike a deal quickly, Hermoso would be a welcome addition to Ten Hag’s squad ahead of next week’s season opener against Fulham at Old Trafford.

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