As the season enters its decisive phase, Bayer Leverkusen has strengthened its defensive line.

Bayer Leverkusen have bolstered their defensive options by signing Spain international Mario Hermoso on loan from Roma until the end of the season.

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Today Bayer officially announced the signing of central defender Mario Hermoso from Roma.

The 29-year-old Madrid native, who has five caps for his country, joined the Italian side in the 2024 summer transfer window, but has now been persuaded to form part of Xabi Alonso’s project at the BayArena.

“I’m really looking forward to striving for big goals with the Werkself” – said Hermoso after putting pen to paper on his six-month deal with the Bundesliga champions. “The conditions are there to have a successful season.”

Last summer, Hermoso moved to Roma from Atlético Madrid, but he struggled to establish himself in Italy. He made only eight Serie A appearances, scoring one goal.

“Mario Hermoso is an internationally experienced professional and, in addition to centre-back, he can also play left-back with great consistency and calmness” – says Bayer’s managing director for sport Simon Rolfes. “Mario will give our defence added versatility and will compensate very well for the loss of Jeanuël Belocian.”

Hermoso joins the growing ranks of Spaniards at Leverkusen, alongside head coach Alonso, Alejandro Grimaldo and Aleix García.

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