Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Danish international defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting Lisbon, the club confirmed on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The 27-year-old has agreed to a contract that will keep him at the Spanish capital club until 2031.
Player profile and career journey
Hjulmand, who has earned 27 caps for Denmark and scored one goal, brings a blend of physical strength, ball-winning ability, and tactical awareness to Atletico's midfield. The club's official statement praised these attributes, highlighting his defensive prowess.
His career began in his native Denmark before moving to Austria. In 2021, he joined Italian side Lecce, where at age 23 he became the second-youngest player to captain a Serie A team, behind only Francesco Totti at Roma. After impressing in Italy, he moved to Sporting Lisbon, where over three seasons he won two Primeira Liga titles and the Portuguese Cup.
Atletico's summer transfer activity
Hjulmand is the latest addition to Diego Simeone's squad in the current transfer window. Earlier, Atletico secured Spanish international left-back Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen. The club is also reportedly set to sign Korean forward Lee Kang-in from European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Hjulmand's arrival strengthens Atletico's midfield options as they aim to challenge for the La Liga title and make an impact in European competitions. The club, which won the Spanish league in 2020-21, continues to rebuild its squad with both experienced and emerging talents.
