Morten Hjulmand Deal Nears Completion: Atletico and Sporting Bridge Fee Gap

Atletico Madrid and Sporting CP are on the verge of finalizing a transfer agreement for midfielder Morten Hjulmand. According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, the two clubs are in advanced discussions to secure the Danish international.

A Transfer Saga Developing Since June

Morten Hjulmand, who arrived at Sporting from Serie A club Lecce in 2023 and has since become captain, has established himself as one of the top midfielders in the Primeira Liga. He has been a key target for Atletico throughout the summer. Initial reports of direct club-to-club contact surfaced in early July 2026, following an earlier inquiry that Sporting had acknowledged but not immediately acted upon.

The player's side has not presented any obstacles. Hjulmand's agent, Ivan Marko Benes, has reportedly met with Atletico's sporting director, Mateu Alemany, to discuss personal terms, and a verbal agreement is understood to have been reached. The primary hurdle has been the transfer fee, which has stalled the progress of the deal.

Negotiating the Fee Structure

Sporting has maintained a consistent stance, seeking a minimum of €40 million in guaranteed payments, with additional bonuses. They point to Hjulmand's contract, which runs until 2028, as justification for their firm valuation. Some Portuguese media outlets have placed Sporting's full valuation between €40 million and €50 million, while Atletico has been working towards a deal in the vicinity of €45 million, including add-ons.

Hjulmand's contract includes an €80 million release clause, but Atletico has no intention of triggering it. Instead, they prefer to negotiate a structured agreement below this figure. This approach is typical for Los Colchoneros, whose recruitment strategy in recent times has often involved deals with a significant number of performance-related bonuses.

The critical point, as highlighted by Spanish and Portuguese reports, is whether Sporting will accept a package where a substantial portion of the fee is contingent on future events rather than guaranteed. If they agree to this, there are no other apparent impediments to the deal moving forward.

Timing Becomes Crucial for Sporting

Sporting is scheduled to begin their pre-season training camp in the Algarve on July 11. At least one Portuguese report has indicated that the club would prefer the Hjulmand situation to be resolved before this date. Prolonged uncertainty surrounding their captain's future is not conducive to optimal preparation, and internal pressure to reach a conclusion adds a sense of urgency that could benefit Atletico.

Atletico has been actively restructuring their midfield this summer, and their search for central midfield reinforcements has been a constant theme throughout the transfer window. At 25 years old, Hjulmand fits the profile of a player who can provide long-term stability in Diego Simeone's midfield.

Next Steps

Atletico is expected to submit a revised offer soon. This new bid will likely test whether Sporting's reluctance to accept a deal heavily weighted towards add-ons has lessened, especially with the July 11 deadline approaching. If the financial gap can be closed, the deal could be finalized quickly. Personal terms are already agreed upon, and both clubs appear eager to conclude the transfer.