Atlético Madrid have announced the signing of Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Lecce on a permanent transfer. The club confirmed a deal worth approximately €40 million to bolster their midfield options under manager Diego Simeone. Hjulmand has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish side.
The 27-year-old joins Atlético after two seasons with Lecce in Serie A, where he established himself as a key player. Prior to his time in Italy, Hjulmand spent three years with Sporting Lisbon, winning two Portuguese league titles and a Portuguese Cup during his tenure. He initially joined Sporting after developing through the youth ranks at Esbjerg fB in his native Denmark.
Hjulmand’s arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano provides Atlético with a dynamic and technically gifted midfielder. He is known for his passing range, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate play from deep positions. Simeone has been seeking midfield reinforcements following a season where Atlético’s squad depth was tested, and Hjulmand fits the profile of a player capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.
Lecce will benefit significantly from the transfer fee, which represents a club-record sale. The Italian club had relied heavily on Hjulmand’s performances in midfield, and finding a suitable replacement will be a priority. However, the financial windfall will allow Lecce to invest in other areas of the squad.
Atlético Madrid finished fourth in La Liga last season, securing a Champions League spot. The addition of Hjulmand is expected to strengthen their midfield and improve their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions. The club will hope he can quickly adapt to the demands of Spanish football and become a key component of Simeone’s team.
