Unai Emery could repeat masterclass and save Aston Villa millions with ‘superb’ target.
Aston Villa will soon focus on the summer transfer market, and Unai Emery may be able to recreate his masterclass in defence with one suspected target.
Following a breakout 2023–24 season that saw Aston Villa return to the Champions League, Unai Emery and Monchi will be keen to add to the team this summer.
The two skillfully managed the summer transfer window of 2023, bringing five new players to Villa Park, some of whom made a bigger effect than others.
Prior to the 2024–2025 season, a replication of the more fruitful acquisitions will be required as Villa gets ready to rejoin Europe’s elite and look to improve on their Premier League fourth-place result.
Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who will be a free agent this summer, is one of the players who has already been rumoured to be a target for the Villans.
Aston Villa could target Mario Hermoso
Earlier this month, it was reported that Villa were ‘getting closer’ to securing a deal for Hermoso, whose contract at Atletico expires in the summer.
The experienced 28-year-old has spent his entire career in Spain having risen from Real Madrid’s academy to eventually become a valued player for their Madrid rivals, posing as a jewel in Diego Simeone’s side.
Having played at the top level in Spain and Europe over the years, Hermoso could bring the experience needed at Villa to challenge once more in the Champions League, with one other key factor there for Emery to exploit if the Spaniard is signed.
Unai Emery could repeat Ezri Konsa masterclass with Mario Hermoso
Getting the centre back signed might be the ideal addition for the boss, who has enjoyed having players with versatility in his squad this year. Emery thrives on having players who can be used in a variety of roles, and Hermoso is one such player.
Players with this kind of quality include John McGinn, who is an attacking threat, and Ezri Konsa, a defensive player.
The defender has played for Atletico Madrid both centrally and on the left side of defence over the years, receiving praise from analyst Marcus Bring for being a “technically and athletically great” asset.
Emery might thus replicate his tactical success of using Konsa at right-back by using Hermoso at left-back, giving the wide attackers ahead of them more freedom and the back line greater stability.
HITC journalist Graeme Bailey, who spoke with Aston Villa News about his opinions on Hermoso joining Villa, expressed the same opinion.
If I’m being really honest, I can see him playing left-back because it’s not often to have two left-side players playing centrally. “I believe he also provides that extra bit of cover at left-back.”
Emery like playing fullback with the big boys, so it makes sense that Hermoso would fit in well. Statistically, Hermoso is statistically similar to Konsa, who has enjoyed playing right-back even though he can play centre field, according to FBref.
Although the 28-year-old Spaniard’s skill is primarily focused on defence, he has also proven his value as a striker, averaging 6.23 progressive passes per 90 in La Liga during 2023–2024, according to FBref.
It will take time to determine whether Villa is genuinely interested in signing the impending free agent, who might be Emery’s left-side Konsa replacement to bolster the defence.
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