Bayer 04 sign central defender Hermoso from AS Roma

"Mario Hermoso is an experienced player on the international stage and, in addition to playing as a central defender, he is a very capable and organised left back," said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes in describing the 1.84 metre tall defender. "Mario will also bring additional versatility to our defence and will compensate very well for the absence of Jeanuel Belocian."

Hermoso knows Bayer 04 well having played the Werkself twice in Champions League games in 2022/23. "They were two highly emotional games with neither side giving anything away exactly like it was in Madrid  a week or so ago," said Hermoso, who has made five international appearances for Spain. "I'm very much looking forward to aiming to achieve big targets with the Werkself. Everything is set up here for a successful season on the pitch."