Its very rare to see transactions between rival clubs over some premium quality player, and Athletico Madrid and Real Madrid are no exceptions to this list.

Born in Marseille, Theo and Lucas Hernandez are defender brothers, the later being elder and more successful (having won the world cup with France in 2018). Joining from the youth academy of Athletico Madrid, Lucas joined the first team action straight from the B team, Theo signed a loan move to Alaves in 16-17 season in order to find more playing minutes.

Proving high productivity in defence, Theo played a key role in the starting 11 as the team reached the Copa Del Rey finals, the first in their 91 years history. Alaves finished 9^th that season, with Theo scoring 2 and contributing 4 assists to the team.

Theo Hernandez had his Athletico contract signed until 2021, but city rivals Real Madrid came knocking on the door with a 24 Mil Euros, which was equal to the release clause on the same. Zidane was the head coach of Real at the time. 2016/17 was a highly successful year for Real, as it had not only won the Champions League but also the La Liga, not including the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super cup as well. Packed with global superstars, opportunities were really limited. Left Back position was already taken by club great Marcelo.

Hernandez still appeared 23 times in all competition in 17-18, winning the Champions League – 3 times in a row under Zidane. Loan move came from Real Sociedad the next season. Opportunities showed up while on-field disciplinary actions ruled him out for 4 matches. Life in Sociedad wasn’t that acknowledging as it was at Alaves.

“I became known as a bad boy”

Many players relations started to become more stressed with Zidane’s management, as he had left at the end of 17/18 season. Return amidst of the crumbling 18/19 season meant these players would find it hard to settle back in the team. Meanwhile, Paolo Maldini Milan’s technical director met Theo to explain his future plans for AC Milan, that included him as a key member.

Offered 20 Mil Euros by AC Milan, the deal was made permanent at the end of 18/19 season. While Milan’s season hasn’t fared much well, few faces have still shined really well for them. Theo is one of them, having played all but 4 matches for the Rossoneri. Theo is well loved in his new team, as he has gone on to score 6 times while contributing 4 assists, all from his left back position.

“The dream is [to] lift the Champions League, but first you have to get there. Now we are far away from the Champions League places. A lot of things happen in football and I don’t know how long it will take but the path we are on is the right one.”

Not out of energy, AC Milan has surely got a raw gem for their team, as they still try to find their old lost glory days. That’s it for now on Theo Hernandez

Cheers