Barcelona ready to sign Atletico Madrid defender

Barcelona have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid centre-back Mario Hermoso as a possible defensive reinforcement this summer.

The dealings between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are becoming muddled by the day. While Antoine Griezmann could possibly return to the Wanda Metropolitano, the part-exchange deal could include Mario Hermoso, with Saul Niguez also being a part of that deal. Spanish outlet El Gol Digital reports.

 Mario Hermoso joined Atletico Madrid from Espanyol in the summer of 2019 and has since become a regular feature for the Los Rojiblancos. 

This past season, Hermoso was a mainstay at the back for the Colchoneros, as they beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title.

However, the Spanish international’s time at the Wanda Metropolitano could be up, with Barcelona showing interest in swooping him away from Atletico Madrid this summer.

To date, the 26-year-old has made 61 appearances for the Spanish giants, chipping in with two goals and an assist along the way. 

Barcelona are reportedly in the market for a defensive reinforcement despite signing Eric Garcia. That is because, with both Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, signing a left-footed centre-back has become the need of the hour for the Catalans.

Barcelona also need to sign a replacement for Junior Firpo, who has joined Leeds United this summer. While young Alejandro Balde could be a possible solution to that end, the 17-year-old has recently been linked with a possible switch to Chelsea, meaning the Catalan giants have to keep their options open.

As per the report, Hermoso could be a part of the part-exchange deal that could well see Antoine Griezmann return to Atletico Madrid, with Saul Niguez arriving at Camp Nou along with his compatriot.

What now remains to be seen is if such a complicated deal can see the light of the day, with Barcelona solving their financial issues while bolstering their squad at the same time.