Real Madrid had reportedly failed with a move to bring in France and Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez from their local rivals this summer.
This is according to Don Balon, who note that club president Florentino Perez had sworn to Julen Lopetegui that he’d make one final swoop for Hernandez this summer.
MORE: Real Madrid set sights on €60m-rated midfield ace as Florentino Perez plots January move
The report also notes that Los Blancos failed with a move for the player as Hernandez himself didn’t want to leave Atletico, something fans of Los Rojiblancos must be absolutely delighted to hear.
Hernandez, who has a release clause of €80M as per the same report from Don Balon, was a key part of the French side that won the World Cup this summer, and the defender would’ve been a class addition for Lopetegui’s side.
The 22-year-old, who’s come through the ranks at Atletico, was hugely impressive for Les Bleus in Russia this summer, as his national side secured their second ever world title with a 4-2 win over Croatia in the final.
Despite Atleti already having Felipe Luis, Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez, Hernandez still managed to make 27 appearances in La Liga last year, as Diego Simeone’s side mustered up an impressive second place finish.
Real fans would’ve been delighted to see Hernandez join their club this summer, as it would’ve meant the club would have a long-term replacement for the ageing Marcelo.
However, it seems like it just wasn’t ever meant to be….