Morten Hjulmand joins Atlético Madrid from Sporting CP for 40 million euros plus 5m in add-ons

The transfer details

Danish international Morten Hjulmand is officially a new Atlético Madrid player, both clubs confirmed on Saturday morning. The Spanish club paid a fixed sum of 40 million euros for the midfielder, with a further potential 5 million euros in variable add-ons linked to sporting objectives, including the player's appearances and the club's progress in the Champions League. The fee makes Hjulmand the eighth-highest sale in Sporting CP's history, matching the 40 million euros fixed sum that João Mário commanded.

In a statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), Sporting SAD confirmed the structure: "The financial compensation for the player's transfer payable by Atlético Madrid to Sporting SAD may amount to the sum of €45,000,000.00 (45 M€), which comprises the sum of a fixed portion of €40,000,000.00 (40 M€) and a variable portion of up to €5,000,000.00 (five M€) depending on the verification of certain objectives." The solidarity mechanism owed to third clubs will be borne entirely by Atlético Madrid, and Sporting SAD will incur no intermediary service charges.

Hjulmand's first words

Presented officially on Saturday, Hjulmand did not hide his enthusiasm for the new chapter. "It is a very big club. Looking from the outside, since I was a kid, it has always won trophies in Spain and in Europe. It is a very respected club throughout Europe and it is an honour to be part of it. It means a lot to me, it is a dream come true," he told the club's official media.

The midfielder admitted a mix of excitement and nerves on his first day. "I am very excited and a little nervous, but I think it will be easy to adapt. I want to meet my teammates and learn the language as quickly as possible," he said. He also described the impact of visiting the Metropolitano Stadium for the first time: "I walked around the stadium and was a bit shocked by the size of everything. I have to be honest: I still can't imagine what it will be like to have 70,000 fans here."

I am very excited and a little nervous, but I think it will be easy to adapt. It means a lot to me, it is a dream come true to be an Atlético Madrid player.

Role on the pitch

Hjulmand outlined the tactical qualities he intends to bring to Diego Simeone's setup, stressing his ability to provide stability and act as a bridge between the defensive and attacking units. "I can bring balance to the team. To be that balance between the offensive line and the defensive line. To be very communicative with my body language and also with my voice," he explained.

He also reflected on how his leadership was built over the years, starting with a coach who entrusted him with significant responsibility at the age of 17 or 18. His time in Austria and Italy proved formative: "I made many mistakes thanks to my communication and my temperament, but I learned a lot from more experienced players, especially at Lecce. I was lucky to be captain there and also at Sporting, and that was a privilege."

Sporting legacy and career numbers

The defensive midfielder departs Lisbon after three full seasons, having joined from Lecce in the summer of 2023 for a fee reported between 18 million and 19.5 million euros. Over his tenure, Hjulmand amassed 141 official appearances for Sporting, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists.

His trophy cabinet in green and white includes two Portuguese league titles and one Taça de Portugal. The club bid farewell with a video posted on social media showcasing his best moments, captioned with the club's motto: "An example of Effort, Dedication, Devotion and Glory." Hjulmand reciprocated with a farewell message in Portuguese, thanking teammates, staff, and supporters.

The numbers behind the move

Hjulmand's 40 million euro fixed fee places him eighth on Sporting's all-time sales list, equal with João Mário. The leader remains Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres, who moved to Arsenal in July 2025 for 65.8 million euros fixed plus 10.3 million in add-ons. Bruno Fernandes is second, following his 2020 transfer to Manchester United for 55 million euros fixed plus 25 million in add-ons, of which 10 million were quickly achieved, totalling 65 million euros. Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte is third, joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for 60 million euros.

Internationally, Hjulmand has earned 27 caps for Denmark and scored one goal, having also progressed through the country's youth ranks. His contract with Atlético Madrid runs until June 2031.