Atletico defender could transfer to Barcelona as a free agent

Atletico Madrid's central defender, Mario Hermoso, may leave the club in the summer as a free agent. His contract is set to expire in June, and negotiations for an extension have not yet commenced.

According to Mundo Deportivo, if Hermoso and Atletico cannot reach an agreement, the Spanish national team player may join Barcelona.

Barcelona admires Hermoso's ability to initiate attacks and play on the second floor. The club believes he could serve as a replacement for Christensen, Kounde, or Araujo if any of these defenders decide to change teams in the summer.

Hermoso, a product of Real Madrid's youth system, joined Atletico in the summer of 2019 from Espanyol for €25 million. In the current season, the 28-year-old defender has played 32 matches in all competitions and scored 2 goals.

For the Spanish national team, Hermoso has participated in 5 matches.