Roma's Hermoso set to sign new deal until 2029 with salary cut, Corriere dello Sport reports

Mario Hermoso is close to extending his Roma contract until 2029, with an option for 2030, and is willing to accept a reduction in his net salary to stay, according to Corriere dello Sport. The report says the parties are already very near an agreement, with the Spaniard following senior teammates Mancini, Cristante, Dybala and Pellegrini in taking a pay cut.

Hermoso's current deal was extended by one season at the same salary through a club option triggered by Champions League qualification, but it expires on 30 June, prompting talks over fresh terms and length since the start of the season. The newspaper describes the player as central to coach Gian Piero Gasperini's plans, with both sides keen to continue together.

Under Gasperini, Hermoso has scored seven goals, including three this season, the latest opening the scoring against Sassuolo on Saturday. Corriere dello Sport reports that only Liverpool's Van Dijk and Union Berlin's Querfeld, among pure defenders, have scored more in Europe over the same period with eight each in all competitions, while Hermoso needed four full seasons at Atletico Madrid to reach seven.

The report adds that in 13 starts this season Hermoso has made 30 tackles, intercepted 32 balls and entered the opposition box 120 times, touching 942 balls and completing 697 passes. Gasperini was quoted after the Sassuolo match saying Hermoso has real quality and the composure in front of goal of a number nine.