Ranieri Announces Roma Player’s Departure… Leverkusen the Closest to Signing Him


Italian coach Claudio Ranieri, manager of AS Roma, has confirmed the departure of Spanish defender Mario Hermoso, who is set to join German club Bayer Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season in the coming hours. Leverkusen is currently managed by Xabi Alonso.  



Speaking at a press conference ahead of Roma’s Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, Ranieri said:  

"When I arrived, he was injured… Mario is a player I like a lot, and he wants to play, but I can't guarantee any player in the squad that they will get playing time. I want players to be happy in Roma, and a player like him deserves to play."  


According to local media reports, the Madrid-born center-back will travel to Leverkusen on Wednesday to undergo a medical examination and sign his contract with the German club, which is currently second in the Bundesliga standings, six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.  


In the UEFA Champions League, Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, has qualified for the next round and could secure a direct spot in the Round of 16 if they win today against Czech club Sparta Prague.