Atlético Madrid signs Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand

Atlético Madrid has secured the signing of Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who joins the club on a contract running until 2031. The transfer from Sporting CP is reportedly valued at approximately 40 million euros ($45.7 million), according to Spanish sports daily Marca. Hjulmand, described by Atlético as a 27-year-old right-footed defensive midfielder, is noted for his physical prowess, ball-winning ability, and astute game reading, which enhances his anticipation and distribution skills. The club highlighted these attributes in a statement on its website. An international with 27 caps for Denmark, Hjulmand began his career in Copenhagen before moving to Austrian club Admira Wacker in 2018. He later joined Italian side Lecce in January 2021, and then made the move to Sporting CP in the summer of 2023. During his three seasons with the Portuguese club, he captained the team and won two league championships and one Portuguese Cup. Hjulmand becomes Atlético's second reinforcement of the current transfer window, following the earlier acquisition of Spanish player Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen.