Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly in advanced discussions with AS Roma over a potential transfer for Spanish centre-back Mario Hermoso. The 29-year-old defender, who joined Roma only in the summer, could be heading to Germany as the Bundesliga side seeks reinforcements in the wake of injuries to key players.
With Hermoso’s role at Roma diminishing, a move to Bayer Leverkusen appears to be on the cards as they look to solidify their defensive ranks before the transfer window closes.
Mario Hermoso’s Roma Stint
Mario Hermoso’s journey at Roma began in the summer of 2024 when he signed a three-year contract as a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid. Despite a promising start, his tenure in Serie A has been relatively short-lived.
After making 13 appearances across various competitions, including Serie A, the Europa League, and Coppa Italia, Hermoso struggled to maintain a regular starting spot in the lineup. The arrival of manager Claudio Ranieri, who preferred Mats Hummels in the defensive role, further limited Hermoso’s involvement, pushing the Spaniard down the pecking order.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Defensive Reinforcements
Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in Hermoso is driven by the urgent need to strengthen their defense. The club has been rocked by the long-term injury to Jeanuel Belocian, whose season was prematurely ended due to a cruciate ligament injury. As the team aims to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions, the addition of a solid and experienced centre-back like Hermoso is crucial to reinforcing their backline.
Reports from Sky Sports Deutschland and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirm that Leverkusen are deep in negotiations with Roma, with the transfer gaining momentum as the club prioritizes bolstering their defensive options this January.
A Rapid Decline at Roma
Hermoso’s fall down the ranks at Roma has been swift. Although he was brought in to add depth to the team’s defense, his inability to consistently break into the starting XI has raised questions about his future in the Italian capital.
Under former manager Ivan Juric and now Ranieri, the Spaniard has largely been overlooked in favor of other options like Mats Hummels. This lack of playtime and opportunity to prove himself at Roma has led Hermoso to consider seeking a new challenge elsewhere.
Bayer Leverkusen Eyeing Additional Reinforcements
In addition to Hermoso, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly eyeing another high-profile addition in the form of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia. With Leverkusen’s attacking options hampered by the injury to French forward Martin Terrier, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with an Achilles issue, Buendia could fill the void left by the injured Terrier.
While the primary focus remains on securing Hermoso’s transfer, the German club is keen to make other strategic moves to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.
The Transfer Outlook
With Bayer Leverkusen eager to reinforce their defense, the club’s negotiations with Roma over Mario Hermoso’s transfer could be concluded quickly. As Hermoso looks to reignite his career in Germany, the move would benefit both parties. Roma would offload a player who has struggled for regular minutes, while Leverkusen would secure a seasoned defender with a wealth of experience in top-flight football.
As Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, the deal is “on” as both clubs work towards reaching an agreement. Given the urgency of Leverkusen’s defensive needs, it remains to be seen whether the deal will be finalized before the end of the transfer window, but all signs point to a transfer that could give Hermoso a fresh start in the Bundesliga.
Read More: Atletico Madrid Eye Arsenal Left-Back Oleksandr Zinchenko Amid German Competition
