OFFICIAL: Atletico sign Spanish defender Mario Hermoso from Espanyol

Atletico sign Spanish defender Mario Hermoso from Espanyol on 5-year deal.

Atlético de Madrid and RCD Espanyol have reached an agreement over the transfer of Mario Hermoso. The defender has signed a five-year contract.

Mario Hermoso Canseco arrives in Madrid from the Catalan club, where he played 59 games in the last two seasons (54 in LaLiga and five in the Copa del Rey). During his time at RCD Espanyol, the defender scored four goals and became one of his team’s key players.

The 24-year-old played most of last season as a centre-back, but his versatility allows him to also play as a full-back. He’s very strong on the ball and in the air.

Hermoso completed one of the best seasons of his career so far, helping his former club qualify for the Europa League for the first time in 12 years. His strong performances also earned him his first cap for Spain, making his international debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Nov. 18, 2018. The defender arrived at RCD Espanyol from Valladolid in 2016, where he played 31 matches in the Segunda División.