July 1st not only marked the beginning of a new financial year – and Newcastle United’s Profit and Sustainability Deadline – it also marked the end of many a contract across the footballing globe.
The long-serving Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett and Jeff Hendrick all officially departed St James’ Park on Monday.
Loris Karius too, the former Liverpool goalkeeper leaving after making more Newcastle appearances at Wembley as than he did on Tyneside.
Over in Spain, meanwhile, one of La Liga’s big three themselves confirmed that a £21 million man who won the title back in 2021 would also be on his way; his contract expiring as he enters the free-agent pool.
Aston Villa lead race with Newcastle also keen on Mario Hermoso
Mario Hermoso is certainly not going to be short of offers after leaving Atletico Madrid.
HITC reported in June that Aston Villa were confident of sealing a deal for the five-time Spain international. There is also interest from West Ham United, Napoli and the aforementioned Newcastle.
“Mario Hermoso, Memphis Depay and Gabriel Paulista will be facing a new professional stage from next season and will not continue playing in the red and white colours,” reads a statement posted on Atletico’s website, the defender departing alongside the Dutch international and a former Arsenal powerhouse.
“The Madrid (born) defender is leaving our club after five campaigns in which he played 174 official outings and scored 10 goals, occupying the positions of left-back and centre-back, and being a key player 2020/21 league title triumph.”
The positional versatility alluded to in Atletico’s goodbye message may go some way to explaining why Hermoso has so many admirers.
Newcastle have already brought in another free-agent in ex-Bournemouth ace Lloyd Kelly. There may be room for another, however, with Sven Botman expected to remain out for a further few months. West Ham, meanwhile, may struggle to meet Wolves’ £50 million asking price for Max Kilman with Hermoso an affordable alternative.
As for Aston Villa, who HITC reported were confident of winning the race back in June, the departure of former Barcelona loanee Clement Lenglet leaves Unai Emery’s squad one centre-back short. Tyrone Mings is also yet to recover from an ACL injury of his own.
Spain international leaves Atletico Madrid for free
Hermoso’s agent, meanwhile, insists that there is no chance of a move to Saudi Arabia for the 29-year-old former Espanyol man.
“He is a player who is doing very well and who has grown a lot in these five years in Madrid. Now he is finishing his contract with Atletico Madrid,” Inaki Espizua told CN24TV.
“Mario wants to play in a major league. He doesn’t want to discard any options. He wants to play for important goals. We will evaluate any project that may come for the next few years, this is the player’s aspiration.”
In a boost to Napoli’s hopes, Espizua did single out the 2023 Serie A champions as an attractive destination for his client.
“Serie A can certainly be a possibility for Mario. Napoli are among the Serie A teams which offer an attractive scenario,” Espizua adds. “Napoli is a great club.
“Last year, they won the Scudetto and (they) have an important history. Out of respect for everyone, I don’t want to talk about individual clubs, but Serie A can certainly be a prestigious destination. Even Inter is a great club.”
HITC understands that Aston Villa have opened talks with the £25 million-rated Fiorentina right-back Michael Kayode. Emery’s side have also completed the signings of Ross Barkley, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea.
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