The Price Atlético Madrid Must Meet for Hjulmand's Sporting Exit

First, an agreement with Morten Hjulmand, then a rejected offer to Sporting. Atlético Madrid is in full pursuit of the Lions' captain, but their bid fell short of the Portuguese club's valuation. Discover the figures involved.

"Hjulmand is a Sporting player. We received an offer from Atlético Madrid and rejected it. It's far from the value we're looking for. We've set a fair and appropriate value based on his age, position, and the fact he's been with Sporting for three years. The player and his agents know this value. Anything below that, the player stays," Frederico Varandas stated, confirming the concrete approach from the Colchoneros and the subsequent refusal.

The Sporting president spoke on Thursday, on the sidelines of the League calendar draw in Porto. Despite openly discussing the 27-year-old midfielder's situation, Varandas did not disclose the offer's value nor the amount he seeks for the captain's departure.

According to information gathered by A BOLA, the Colchoneros' bid was below €40 million, with reports from Spain suggesting it was €35 million. However, Sporting is holding out for a fixed €40 million, preferably with a bonus structure that could yield additional millions in the future. Following the rejection, the ball is now in the Spaniards' court, who will need to raise their offer.

Last summer, Hjulmand and Sporting reached an understanding similar to the one established with Viktor Gyokeres: the midfielder would remain at Alvalade for another season, with the promise of an open door for a departure in 2026. Now, Atlético Madrid emerges as the likely destination, though Sporting demands a more robust financial proposal. Currently, the strategy at Alvalade is clear: streamline operations and secure financial gains before making new signings.

Hjulmand arrived at Alvalade in the summer of 2023, signed from Lecce for €18 million. With a contract valid until June 2028 and an €80 million release clause, the Dane already has a five-year agreement with Atlético Madrid (until 2031, plus an option year). Now, the Colchoneros will have to present a new offer and meet the well-established valuation.

Despite the rejection, Morten Hjulmand's move to the Metropolitano remains highly probable. He would depart Alvalade after 141 appearances, scoring ten goals, providing 12 assists, and securing two national championship titles and one Portuguese Cup.