Atletico Madrid have continued their summer spending spree with the signing of Spain international defender Mario Hermoso from Espanyol.

The Madrid-born 24-year-old has committed himself to Atletico until 2024 in a transfer which, Espanyol have announced, will cost the Rojiblancos an initial €25 million.

Atletico said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid and RCD Espanyol have reached an agreement over the transfer of Mario Hermoso. The defender has signed a five-year contract.

“We welcome an extraordinary player, who despite his youth, has experience and a promising future. He arrives to make our squad stronger and we wish him all the best in this beautiful new challenge at Atletico de Madrid.”

Hermoso, who made his Spain debut last November, was on Real Madrid’s books as a youngster before joining Espanyol in 2017.

He becomes the latest new arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, following in the footsteps of Joao Felix, Marcos Llorente, Kieran Trippier, Felipe, Hector Herrera, Renan Lodi and Ivan Saponjic.

The club have also seen the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez, Rodri, Juanfran and Diego Godin depart since the end of last season in what has been a period of major change for Diego Simeone’s side.

Provided by Press Association Sport