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August 31, 2024
Several reports tonight indicate that Roma have agreed on personal terms with free agent Mario Hermoso, who had also been negotiating with Galatasaray.
Sky Sport Italia, Fabrizio Romano, and other sources are confident that the agreement is finalized, with Hermoso expected to arrive in the Eternal City on Sunday.
The contract is expected to run until June 2027, but a release clause could enable him to depart in 2026.
The defender, who just turned 29 in June, is versatile, able to play both as a center-back and a left-back.
He spent the last five years at Atletico Madrid before being released when his contract expired on June 30. This opened the door for negotiations with various clubs, including Galatasaray, Al-Ittihad, Al-Shabab, Inter, and Milan.
In the past few days, it has been speculated that Roma’s transfer plans are still ongoing despite the approaching Friday night deadline.
This is because they can still sign free agents, and, importantly, the Saudi Pro League transfer window remains open until September 2. Reports indicate that Chris Smalling is in advanced talks about joining Al-Fayha FC.
Hermoso may not be the only free agent Roma targets, as reports suggest they also discuss with Mats Hummels.
Roma is exploring free-agent defenders because Chris Smalling is in advanced negotiations with Al-Fayha FC.
Sky Sport Italia had previously indicated that Smalling might not remain at the Stadio Olimpico this season, given the Saudi Pro League’s interest.
Today, he trained alone with the rest of the team at the Trigoria facility, intensifying speculation that he may not be included in their plans.
Foot Mercato has now identified the club, revealing that Roma and Smalling are in advanced discussions regarding a transfer to Al-Fayha FC.
The Saudi Pro League transfer window remains open until September 2, allowing ample time to finalize the transfer.
Although the Italian transfer window has closed, Roma can still acquire free agents.
As a result, Roma intends to target Mario Hermoso and Mats Hummels. Despite a summer filled with discussions with various clubs, both players are still seeking opportunities for the current season.
Manu Kone shares that his conversation with midfielder Daniele De Rossi played a crucial role in his decision to join Roma. He also mentions that while Paul Pogba was once his idol, he no longer sees him as a role model.
The 23-year-old finalized his move from Borussia Monchengladbach on transfer deadline day. He has joined on a loan with a mandatory purchase option for €18 million, plus an additional €2 million in performance-related bonuses.
He was also rumored to be targeted by Milan and several Premier League teams. So, what led him to choose Roma?
“What convinced me is the fact it’s an historic club. I also spoke with the coach, he convinced me, showed what the club could do for me and he was a midfielder too. That really made me excited,” Kone shared this on the official Roma website.
“I’ve seen a lot of messages from fans on social media, which made me even more excited by this move. I can’t wait to meet them at the stadium and make them happy.”
“I’ve known about Roma since I was young. Some great players have played here, so I wanted to be a part of it. I spoke to the coach and he really won me over with his words, I knew he had confidence in me and that I could help the team. That was one of the main things that convinced me.”
Kone is not anticipated to showcase flashy skills or dazzling tricks, but he is aware that his strengths lie in supporting Roma’s defensive strategies and contributing to threatening counter-attacks.
“I’m a midfielder, so I try to be well-rounded. I can defend and help the forwards; I’m able to win the ball back and break down their press. That’s what I’m going to bring to the team this season.”
Kone draws inspiration from a former Serie A and France international. Although Pogba is still officially listed with Juventus, he is currently sidelined while awaiting the outcome of an appeal against a doping suspension.
“Paul Pogba is a role model for me, because he did great things in Serie A, he was on fire here and every young French person dreamed of being like him.”
“Now I’ve grown up, so he’s not really a role model, but when I was younger, he was my idol.”
He competed in the Paris Olympics with the French national team and is already playing alongside Enzo Le Fée for Les Bleus.
“I can’t wait to make my contribution. I know there are lots of fans that love football, they live for it. We just want to win as many matches as possible and make people happy.”
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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