Real Madrid won’t trigger their option to buy Mario Hermoso

Real Madrid will not exercise their buyback option to sign Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso this summer and won’t interfere in his future, according to a report from Cadena COPE. Hermoso is reportedly on Atletico Madrid’s radar and Los Blancos could’ve decided to pay €7.5 million to sign the defender and therefore have the final decision about his immediate future but ultimately refused to do so.

Hermoso was rumored to be in Real Madrid’s shortlist last winter after what has been a brilliant season for him in Espanyol. However, Los Blancos decided to sign Porto’s Eder Militao and that’s why they just don’t have room for the Spanish defender. Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Militao will be Zidane’s primary options for the two center-back spots while Nacho Fernandez appears to have the edge over Jesus Vallejo for the fourth and last spot in the team.

Hermoso is Simeone’s favorite player to replace Lucas Hernandez because of his ability to play as a center-back but also as a left-back.