According to the Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest are set to make an official approach to Atletico Madrid for Mario Hermoso. The Reds are keen to sign the defender on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The Spanish defender has been with Atletico for four seasons, signing for the club from Espanyol in 2019. He’s made 105 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, helping the club win a league title.
It’s no secret that Forest boss Steve Cooper is keen to sign another central defender. Only Bournemouth have conceded more goals in the Premier League than the Reds and shoring up the rearguard is a necessity.
Hermoso is a product of the youth academy at Real Madrid. He moved to cross-city rivals Atletico in 2019 and naturally, that was a decision that didn’t exactly see him endear himself to the Madrid faithful.
The defender is very experienced. Furthermore, at 27-years-old, he fits the profile of a player that could star at the City Ground if he does check in on loan this month.
Forest do have a number of central defenders. Joe Worrall and Willy Boly are currently in possession of the shirts, with Steve Cook and Scott McKenna waiting in the wings.
Hermoso has fallen out of contention under Diego Simeone this season. He’s started just twice in La Liga and now the club could be willing to loan him out before the month is out.
Forest set to make official approach for Hermoso
The centre-back would be a stunning signing for the Reds. It was only the summer when Tottenham boss Antonio Conte was very keen on adding the player to his ranks.
Hermoso has experience playing in the Champions League and also has experience winning a title to his name. Not only that, but he would have a decent understanding with Renan Lodi who is on loan at Forest from Atletico.
The defender has been a loyal servant to the Atletico ranks. With five Spain caps to his name, the player will want to be playing regular football to force his way back into the fold.
Rumour rating: 7/10 – There seems a lot to like about this one. If the link had mentioned a permanent deal then perhaps this would be bumped towards an eight or a nine.
Hermoso is a cracking defender though. He could provide that little bit of pace that Forest have been lacking and his experience could help the team concede fewer goals and subsequently climb the league table.
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