Morten Hjulmand Deal Nears Completion as Atletico Madrid and Sporting CP Narrow Fee Discrepancy

Atletico Madrid and Sporting CP are advancing towards an agreement for midfielder Morten Hjulmand. Advanced negotiations are underway between the two clubs for the Danish international, according to transfer reporter Matteo Moretto.

A Transfer Saga Developing Since June

Hjulmand, who transferred to Sporting from Serie A's Lecce in 2023 and has served as captain for the Lisbon club, has established himself as one of the Primeira Liga's most well-rounded midfielders. He has been a target for Atletico throughout the summer. Initial club-to-club discussions were reported by Portuguese and Spanish media in early July, following an earlier inquiry that Sporting had acknowledged.

The player's personal terms have not presented an obstacle. Hjulmand's agent, Ivan Marko Benes, has reportedly met with Atletico's sporting director, Mateu Alemany, to discuss contract details, and a verbal agreement is understood to have been reached. The primary challenge has been the transfer fee itself, which has caused the delay in finalizing the deal.

Negotiations Focus on Transfer Fee Structure

Sporting's stance has remained consistent: they are seeking at least €40 million in guaranteed fees, with additional bonuses. They justify this by pointing to Hjulmand's contract, which runs until 2028. Some Portuguese reports indicate Sporting's valuation is between €40 million and €50 million, while Atletico's proposed structure is around €45 million, inclusive of add-ons.

While Hjulmand's contract includes an €80 million release clause, Atletico has no intention of meeting this figure. Instead, they prefer a structured deal below that amount, a strategy commonly employed by Atletico, whose recent recruitment has often featured deals heavily reliant on add-ons.

The core issue, as highlighted in Spanish and Portuguese reports, is whether Sporting will accept a package where a significant portion of the fee is contingent rather than guaranteed. If they agree to such terms, there are no other apparent obstacles to the deal.

Timing Becomes a Factor for Sporting

Sporting is scheduled to begin their pre-season camp in the Algarve on July 11. At least one Portuguese report suggests the club prefers to have the Hjulmand situation resolved before this date. Prolonged uncertainty regarding their captain's future is not conducive to optimal preparation, and the internal pressure to finalize the deal provides an advantage to Atletico.

Atletico has been actively revamping their midfield this summer, with the acquisition of central midfield options being a key focus throughout the transfer window. Hjulmand, at 25 years old, fits the profile of a player capable of anchoring Diego Simeone's midfield for the long term.

Next Steps in the Transfer

Atletico is expected to submit a revised offer soon. This bid will likely test Sporting's willingness to accept a structure with a greater emphasis on add-ons, especially with the July 11 deadline approaching. If the financial gap is successfully bridged, the transfer could move towards formal completion rapidly. Personal terms are already agreed upon, and both clubs appear motivated to finalize the transaction.