Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to make a final move for Sporting CP skipper Morten Hjulmand, after their initial €35 million bid was turned down. The Spanish side are now preparing a new proposal that could meet the Portuguese club’s valuation, as both sides aim to finalise the Danish midfielder’s future within the next few days.

Atletico intensify chase for Sporting captain

As per reports from A Bola, Atletico are ready to return to negotiations for Hjulmand with a revised offer aimed at matching Sporting’s financial expectations. The first bid, which comprised €30 million as a fixed amount and an additional €5 million in performance-based bonuses, was swiftly rejected. Atletico, however, are now ready to increase their offer to secure Diego Simeone’s top transfer target.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has maintained a firm position throughout the discussions, insisting that any deal must guarantee a minimum of €40 million as a fixed base. The Lisbon-based club also wants a structure that includes further performance bonuses to maximise earnings in the coming seasons. With Atletico now set to meet that threshold, an agreement appears close.

Deal expected before pre-season

All parties involved – Sporting CP, Atletico Madrid, and Hjulmand – are keen to wrap up the transfer swiftly. The goal is to complete the move in the coming week so that the 26-year-old’s future is settled before Rui Borges and his squad begin pre-season training in the Algarve on July 11. Atletico’s manager Diego Simeone is also eager to integrate the Danish international into his tactical plans as soon as possible.

The Denmark international has become one of the most sought-after players in the current transfer window following his impressive performances at Alvalade. Since joining Sporting from Lecce, Hjulmand has established himself as the team’s central figure, earning the captain’s armband and widespread praise for his tactical awareness, ball-winning ability, and leadership qualities. His exit signals the end of a highly successful spell in Lisbon.

Farewell to Lisbon

Hjulmand has already bid farewell to his teammates and coaching staff. After three seasons with Sporting, the 26-year-old believes his time at Estadio Jose Alvalade has naturally come to an end. The midfielder had been interested in a move abroad as early as last year, but Sporting blocked his departure then.

When Manchester United first expressed interest in 2025, Sporting managed to retain their captain but assured him that he would be allowed to leave the following summer for a reasonable price. That promise is now being honoured, with Hjulmand ready to take on a new challenge at the highest level of European football.

Atletico win the race ahead of AC Milan

Hjulmand had been strongly linked with AC Milan, especially after Ruben Amorim’s appointment as head coach. However, Atletico have now overtaken the Italian side and are in pole position to sign the defensive midfielder.

During his 141 appearances for Sporting across all competitions, Hjulmand scored 10 goals and contributed 12 assists. His successful tenure in Portugal included three major trophies – two Primeira Liga titles and one Portuguese Cup – marking him as one of the club’s standout performers in recent years.