Everton turn to €35m-rated Atletico target, as statement signing hopes rise

Lionel Messi Mario Hermoso

Everton have reignited their interest in an Atletico Madrid defender valued around the €35m mark, per a report.

Manager Rafa Benitez has been on the lookout for new signings following his surprise appointment on June 30. The Toffees have so far brought in Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic on free transfers, while winger Demarai Gray was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a meagre £1.7m.

Everton will need to make a statement before the transfer window shuts and could turn to Hermoso.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Fichajes (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Merseyside club are once again interested.

They’re hoping to land a new centre-back to compete with the likes of Michael Keane and Yerry Mina, and it looks like Hermoso fits the bill.

The Spaniard, capped five times at international level, managed 31 La Liga appearances in 2020/21.

He put in some strong displays as Diego Simeone’s men beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to the title.

It’s thought that Atleti would consider bids in the region of €35m (£30m), although they haven’t put the player up for sale as of yet.

Mario Hermoso for Atletico Madrid

Everton were first linked with Hermoso back in 2018, while he was still at Espanyol.

The Spanish side have a 20 per cent sell-on clause in action, which means they could receive around £6m if he joins Everton.

Benitez is also keen to sign a new forward this summer, and has set his sights on Lazio’s Joaquin Correa.


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The Argentina international notched 11 goals in all competitions last term. He is also attracting interest from Aston Villa and Leicester City.

It’s now thought that free-spending Villa are leading the race for his signature. They’re prepared to trump Everton and Leicester with a £30m bid.

Everton star weighs in on Barcelona debacle

James Rodriguez has likened Sergio Aguero’s situation at Barcelona to his at Goodison Park.

Aguero is rumoured to be considering leaving the Nou Camp after friend and team-mate Lionel Messi was forced to move on.

Rodriguez said: “Kun Aguero went to Barcelona, and now Messi is leaving. They just happen to be little breadsticks, partners.

“Those are the things that football has. The same thing happened to me. I go to Everton, practically because [Carlo] Ancelotti was there and look, now Carlo is gone.

“I don’t know what is going to happen. In football and in life, we don’t know anything. Let’s see what happens.”

READ MORE: Everton certain to say no in controversial move for Barcelona playmaker