Diego Pablo Simeone is facing one of the most significant departures of his time at the helm of the club. Fabrizio Romano, the most influential journalist in transfer matters, has dropped the bombshell: Mario Hermoso is on the verge of signing with AS Roma. This move, which had been brewing in the last few hours, represents a change of scenery for Hermoso.
Mario Hermoso arrived at Atlético de Madrid in 2019 from Espanyol, and over time he became a key player for Simeone. His versatility, ability to play with the ball and his dedication in every game earned him the trust of the Argentine coach, who considered him one of his favourite centre-backs. However, as happens in football, circumstances and market opportunities have precipitated his departure.
New centre-back for Roma
AS Roma, managed by Daniele de Rossi, have been on the hunt for a centre-back to strengthen their defence after a season full of defensive ups and downs. Mario Hermoso was a clear target for the Italian club, who have finally managed to secure his signing in the final stretch of the summer transfer window. Fabrizio Romano was the first to break the news, highlighting the importance of this move for both the player and both clubs.
Hermoso's signing for Roma comes at a time when Atlético de Madrid had offered to renew his contract at a lower price, something that did not convince the player. At 28 years old, Mario Hermoso is in full footballing maturity and is looking for a new challenge away from Spain. Serie A, with its tactical and defensive style, seems to be the perfect stage for the centre-back to show his full potential. For Atlético, however, his departure is a hard blow, given that Hermoso was not only a regular in the starting eleven, but also a reference in the dressing room.
De Rossi confirms it
Roma manager Daniele de Rossi himself couldn't help but gush over Hermoso's arrival after his side's recent draw against Real Madrid. "We've signed a new centre-back... but I can't say who it is, well, actually it's Mario Hermoso," the coach joked, thus casually revealing what was already an open secret. This signing is a relief for Roma, who spent the whole summer looking for the right player to strengthen their defensive line.
Mario Hermoso arrives at Roma with the expectation of being the leader that the team needs in defence. Although his departure from Atlético marks the end of an era for him and for Simeone, it also opens a new stage in his career. For Simeone, who says goodbye to one of his favourite centre-backs, the challenge of reconfiguring his defence without one of its most important pieces begins.