Bayern Munich have reportedly joined the list of top European clubs that are showing interest in Espanyol’s young center-back Mario Hermoso.
As Uli Hoeness recently hinted, the aging Bayern Munich squad could be in for some big changes next summer. The German giants have been leaking goals on a consistent basis this season, so a change of personnel in defense is likely to be one of the top priorities.
The Bavarians have been linked with numerous center-backs in the past few months and have reportedly already agreed a deal for World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard.
According to the latest report from Calciomercato, Espanyol’s Mario Hermoso is the latest center-back to pop up on Bayern’s radar. The Spaniard’s performances recently have attracted much interest from various clubs across Europe.
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Bayern Munich might face some tough competition for the 23-year-old’s signature as Real Madrid and Arsenal reportedly both have concrete interest in the young defender as well.
Hermoso has been a key figure in Espanyol’s rigid defense. The Spanish side sits fifth in La Liga and have conceded only 10 goals in 12 league games. Hermoso has all the abilities of a modern-day center-back, as he is more than capable at playing out from the back. He also knows how to make his presence known on the opposite end of the pitch, having scored twice this season already. His consistent performances at club level have even earned him a call-up from the Spanish national team.
The young center-back graduated from Real Madrid’s youth academy and joined Espanyol in 2017 after a loan spell at Real Valladolid. His current contract expires in 2020. Los Blancos have made a habit of signing young Spanish players in the past few years, so it will be an uphill task for Bayern to convince Hermoso to move to Munich if Real Madrid come calling for him.
Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, meanwhile, face an uncertain future at Bayern. The latter was very close to leaving the club this past summer after Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United made bids for him. The Bavarians will likely sell at least one of the aging duo next summer and bring in a young replacement.
Benjamin Pavard is one player Bayern have long been interested in. Many thought he would join the Bavarians this past summer, but they reportedly agreed on a deal that will see him join in 2019. Pavard has dismissed these reports, but it’s still likely he makes the move to Munich next summer. Hermoso is likely to be on the list of fall-back options for Bayern if the Frenchman’s deal falls through at the last minute.