Atletico Madrid are closing in on the signing of Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand after reaching a verbal understanding over personal terms with the Denmark international’s representatives. The Spanish club and their Portuguese counterparts remain in advanced negotiations, with the structure of the transfer fee now the sole obstacle to completing the move.
According to reports, Hjulmand’s agent, Ivan Marko Benes, has already held discussions with Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany. Those talks have produced a provisional agreement on personal terms, removing potential complications regarding the player’s contract once clubs settle on a price.
Financial Terms Under Negotiation
The primary sticking point concerns how the transfer fee is constructed. Sporting CP are holding out for a minimum of €40 million in guaranteed payments, arguing that Hjulmand’s contract runs until 2028 justifies their firm stance. Some estimates place the Lisbon club’s full valuation between €40 million and €50 million.
Atletico, meanwhile, are working to structure a deal worth approximately €45 million including performance-related add-ons. This approach aligns with their recent recruitment strategy of avoiding lump-sum payments. The midfielder possesses an €80 million release clause, but the Madrid side have no intention of meeting that figure and are seeking a negotiated settlement well below that threshold.
Pre-Season Timeline Pressures Resolution
There is growing urgency to conclude negotiations because Sporting are scheduled to begin their pre-season training camp in the Algarve on July 11. The Portuguese club would prefer to resolve their captain’s future before that date to avoid prolonged uncertainty disrupting their preparations.
This deadline appears to be influencing the dynamics of the talks. Atletico are expected to table a revised offer imminently, which will test whether Sporting are willing to accept a package containing significant conditional elements rather than purely guaranteed fees.
Simeone Target Fits Midfield Rebuild
Hjulmand, 25, arrived at Sporting from Italian side Lecce in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the Primeira Liga’s most complete midfielders. His performances earned him the captain’s armband and attracted interest from several top European clubs.
For Atletico, the Danish international represents a long-term solution in central midfield as Diego Simeone continues reshaping his engine room. Hjulmand’s profile suggests he could anchor the Argentine’s tactical system for years rather than serving as a short-term fix.
With personal terms already settled and both clubs motivated to reach an agreement, the coming days are likely to prove decisive. If Atletico’s next proposal bridges the gap on the fee structure, the transfer could advance rapidly toward completion.