Yahoo News Diego Simeone has made his feelings clear on Mario Hermoso amid Aston Villa transfer links
Diego Simeone has already communicated his hope that Mario Hermoso remains at Atletico Madrid as the defender continues to be linked with a summer move to Aston Villa. Hermoso's contract in the Spanish capital expires this summer and it appears increasingly unlikely that he'll be staying put, despite Simeone's wish.
Hermoso, 28, has been a regular in the Atleti team since joining from Espanyol in 2019. He cost Atleti north of £20m and signed a five-year contract upon arrival - that is the deal which is due to expire this summer. The centre half has remained a routine pick in Simeone's side this season, in which the club have secured Champions League football again next term.
Hermoso is also wanted by Serie A champions Inter Milan, but Villa can also offer Champions League football next season and potentially take advantage of Atleti's need to lower their overall wage-bill. They too are on the look-out for another centre half this summer, having bid farewell to loanee Clement Lenglet and with Tyrone Mings still recovering from his long-term injury layoff.
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Simeone, who has been in charge at the Metropolitano since 2011 and has presided over almost 700 matches in that time, remains keen for Hermoso to stay put and continue with Atleti next season.
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"He was very good," Simeone said of Hermoso's performance in their recent 1-0 win over Real Mallorca. "He played it as he usually does, he is one of the best we have in that sense. He plays as a winger, as a starting centre back, open to the side... he always gives us a lot. I hope he can continue with us."
