Image of Simeone in a montage with Atlético de Madrid players

He rejected Atlético and now he is left without options: the player that Simeone wanted

A central defender who was very important last season sees time go by and doesn't have a team

Mario Hermoso , a central defender who was key in the defence of Atlético de Madrid , finds himself in a complicated situation after rejecting a contract renewal with the colchonero team. The 29-year-old defender, who played 44 official matches last season, seemed to have his destiny away from the Metropolitano. However, things have not gone as expected.

Manchester United's interest

In recent weeks, Mario Hermoso has been linked with Manchester United . The English team, looking to strengthen its defence following the injury of Leny Yoro, considered the former Espanyol player as a viable option. Hermoso's experience and versatility made him an ideal candidate to fill that vacancy.

Mario Hermoso could have signed his new destination
Beautiful in a match | X: @Atleti

However, United 's interest did not materialise in a concrete offer. According to sources close to the English club, Manchester United ultimately decided not to bring Hermoso into their ranks. This decision left the Spanish defender in an uncertain position, as he was left without a team after his contract with Atlético ended.

Hermoso's failed bet

The English rejection comes at a delicate time for Hermoso . After failing to reach a renewal agreement with Atlético de Madrid, the centre-back opted to find a new challenge in a foreign league. His idea was to continue competing at the highest level in a renowned team, but the lack of offers has complicated his plans.

Simeone, who had relied on Hermoso as a defensive pillar, was confident that the player would reconsider his decision. The Argentine coach always valued Hermoso's ability to adapt to different playing systems and his leadership in defence. However, the defender's refusal to renew with Atlético left a void that the red-and-white team has had to fill with new signings.

A market without opportunities

The transfer market is moving fast, and Mario Hermoso's options are getting smaller by the day. With the Premier League ruled out and other big European clubs already strengthening their defence, the player faces an uncertain future. The possibility of returning to La Liga also does not seem to be on the horizon, as Spanish teams have closed most of their squads.

Hermoso, who still has a lot of football left to offer, could be forced to reconsider his options. Although his talent is undeniable, the current market has not favoured him. Simeone and Atlético de Madrid, for their part, have continued with their planning, looking for new talents to strengthen their defence.