Theo Hernandez to be sold on return from Real Sociedad—Report

Theo Hernandez took a year away from Real Madrid to, in his own words, “become Theo again”. The 21-year-old has yet to reproduce the form that made him one of most sought after young talents in the game. His inconsistent season with Real Sociedad and the plethora of talent Madrid have at the left back position, means he has become surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu. Sergio Reguilon, Achraf Hakimi, and the potential arrival of Ferland Mendy, squeezes Theo out.

In a report from Spanish publication, AS, Madrid have placed a €30 million price tag on the French full-back. Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli is one team showing a high level of interest in the player. AS suggest that Carlo, like he did for Fabian while at Real Betis, has personally called Theo in a bid to convince him to join the Italian giants. Regular playing time, the chance to challenge for the Scudetto, and Champions League football are his tools to persuade.

Theo is still a very young player and has the ability to progress, especially under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, but in two years his growth has stunted. He has all the physical tools and his technique is at the minimum level required for a Champions League side. It’s the mental side of the game where the full-back struggles. Theo has consistently “switched off” in important defense sequences this season and has failed to maintain concentration for a full 90 minutes. In moments that require urgency, the fullback is nonchalant. At the professional level, a player always has to be tuned in and learn from their mistakes. Ancelotti, if ultimately successful in signing Theo, will look to right those wrongs and put the youngster back on his initial trajectory.