Manchester United are reportedly still in talks with former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who now considers Old Trafford his preferred next transfer destination.
Rejuvenating the defensive department was a key priority for United heading into the ongoing summer transfer window. Already, the Red Devils secured the signing of Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth around £52m including add-ons.
Over the weekend, the reliable David Ornstein revealed that United also reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over the transfer fee for Matthijs de Ligt. A medical for De Ligt has been scheduled to take place in the next 24 hours, ahead of a reunion in England with Erik ten Hag.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were alerted to the opportunity to secure the services of yet another top defender, this time on a free – Hermoso.
It was stated that Hermoso – a five-time Spain international – was in “official contacts” with Ten Hag’s side, with the player looking for a three-year deal that would net him a salary of €6 million gross.
The report noted that negotiations were in the “initial phase” and nothing was advanced.
On Saturday, the reliable Fabrizio Romano said that Hermoso was discussed as an option at United.
Mario Hermoso has been discussed as option at Manchester United, still available as free agent after leaving Atlético.
…but understand Man United next priority is still Noussair Mazraoui deal after selling AWB to West Ham.
Hermoso, assessing several options. pic.twitter.com/hGLTFwIA2I
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2024
Journalist Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez has now given an update and indicated that United’s proposal is the one that currently appeals the most to the 29-year-old.
“The proposal to be able to play in Manchester United is the one that the former Atlético de Madrid player, Mario Hermoso, likes the most.”
“The club and the player are still in contact, but nothing has been done yet.”
“This week there will surely be some news, both good and bad.”
La propuesta de poder jugar en el #ManchesterUnited es la que más gusta al ex del atlético de Madrid, Mario Hermoso
Entre club y el jugador siguen en contacto, pero nada avanzado por ahora.
Esta semana seguramente saldrá alguna novedad, tanto para bien como para mal. pic.twitter.com/Mvcdt4US1V
— Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez (@ramirezmaximodc) August 11, 2024
It’s however unlikely that United will bring in Hermoso even as they close in on officially adding De Ligt to their ranks.
Now that two central defenders have been acquired, it seems to safe say that United will turn their attention towards acquiring a midfielder.
Nevertheless, a swoop for the Spain international can’t be entirely ruled out, especially because according to Romano, United may still make two more signings even after landing De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT, “I told you, Man United are going to attack the market. Man United want to sign at least three more, could be four, and now we have the two players they wanted. Mazraoui and De Ligt to Manchester United is here we go, because the deal is done with Bayern.”
“And we have to mention that Manchester United have been successful in negotiations, because they closed the deal as they wanted. Probably the timing was longer than expected, but it was worth it for Manchester United, because they always wanted to include add-ons in both negotiations.”
It’s certainly one for fans to keep a close eye on and how it develops.
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