Real Madrid Femenino could make a historic signing that not only would improve the team’s attack significantly, but would also lead to the first woman representing both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
According to an article from AS’ Mayca Jiménez, Real Madrid Femenino are eager to swoop in on the opportunity to sign Jennifer Hermoso this summer. Hermoso’s contract expires in June 2022. A player of her calibre would be a steal at any price in the current women’s football market, so signing her on a free transfer is a big, big deal for Real Madrid Femenino.
The Madrid-born player will turn 32 in May, but that means very little for someone like her. Hermoso has been the top scorer of Primera Iberdrola for the last three seasons. It could have been six consecutive seasons had she finished the top scorer in 2017-18.
Arguably the greatest player to ever represent the Spanish national women’s team, she holds the record of being the highest all-time goalscorer of both Spain and FC Barcelona Feminí. She also finished top scorer of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the 2020-21 season, followed by a 2nd place finish in the Women’s Ballon d’Or ranking.
Why Jennifer Hermoso to Real Madrid Femenino makes sense
Barring a World Cup trophy, there is nothing that Jennifer Hermoso hasn’t achieved as far as team achievements are concerned. Hence, playing for an up-and-coming club like Real Madrid Femenino could be the ideal opportunity for Hermoso to etch her name as one of the true legends of women’s football.
The team still has a long way to go as far as being considered one of the European heavyweights is concerned. But signing Hermoso could bolster the squad and help bridge some of the gap between Real Madrid Femenino and FC Barcelona Feminí.
When the 2022-23 season begins, Hermoso will be 32. She’s in the form of her life. Even at 32, the forward will guarantee a truckload of goals. The fact that she finished 2021 with 51 goals, the most by any women footballer, further rubber stamps her credentials.
Hermoso is not an archetypal No. 9. She loves to drop deep and play between the lines rather than waiting in the box for deliveries. That trait comes from her initial days as a footballer, when she used to play in a deeper role. She’s similar to Kosovare Asllani in that sense but more potent in front of goal.
Yes, her arrival does complicate the futures of Esther González and Nahikari García, both of whom share the same position on the pitch as Hermoso. But given the quality of this player, it’s too hard of a deal for Real Madrid Femenino to let go, one which they can gain a lot from.
It would be exciting to see Hermoso play alongside the likes of Asllani, Esther, Nahikari, Athenea del Castillo, Marta Cardona, and Caroline Møller. But we’ll have to wait till the summer to see what happens.