Sporting Transfer Market: Hjulmand Nears Atlético Madrid Move

Negotiations between Sporting CP and Atlético Madrid are intensifying, bringing Morten Hjulmand closer to a move to the Metropolitano. Discussions between the Lions and the *Colchoneros* have progressed beyond the need for a new formal offer. At this stage, it's not about presenting a new figure, but rather negotiating the intricate details that could see the transfer reach the €40 million Sporting desires for the 27-year-old midfielder.

This could involve a complex financial arrangement. Atlético Madrid might reach the €40 million mark through a combination of fixed fees and performance-related bonuses that would inflate the sale value over time, contingent on individual and collective sporting achievements, as well as payment plans and solidarity mechanisms.

These are the points currently under discussion between the clubs, with Atlético Madrid aiming to secure the Danish international's services by Monday, the day their pre-season for 2026/2027 officially begins.

Indeed, the directive is to expedite the entire process. As reported by *Marca*, the agents of Sporting's captain are already in the Spanish capital to streamline negotiations and facilitate a swift agreement between the clubs.

It's worth recalling that Atlético's initial offer of €35 million was significantly below Sporting's valuation. "We received an offer from Atlético Madrid and rejected it. It's far from the value we want. We have set a fair and appropriate value considering his age, position, and the fact he has been with Sporting for three years. The player and his agents know this value. If the offer is below that, the player stays," explained Frederico Varandas last week.

Now, the *Colchoneros* are working to convince Sporting's president, who last summer reached an understanding with the team captain for him to stay for one more season and facilitate a departure in the summer of 2026. However, the condition remains a €40 million fee plus bonuses.

An agreement has long been in place between Hjulmand and the Spanish capital club for a five-year contract. The midfielder joined Sporting in 2023 from Lecce for €18 million, and his current release clause stands at €80 million.

The aim is to finalize everything by Monday, but if an agreement isn't reached, Hjulmand will still report to Sporting and travel to Lagos for the training camp on Saturday. Sporting's captain is keen to avoid a repeat of the Gyökeres situation from a year ago, when the player refused to train amidst tough negotiations with Arsenal.