Atlético de Madrid has been following Dávid Hancko, the Slovak center-back from Feyenoord, for some time with the intention of making him the ideal replacement for Mario Hermoso. However, what seemed like a move aimed at strengthening the red-and-white defense could seriously complicate. Liverpool has entered the race and has already made a formal offer to acquire the player.
Hancko, the Center-Back Simeone Wants for Atlético
Since last summer, Atlético de Madrid has been looking for a reliable left-footed defender, and Hancko was the favorite from the start. His performance in the European Championship with Slovakia confirmed his enormous potential, and the club from Madrid tried to finalize his signing. However, Feyenoord was inflexible in negotiations and demanded 40 million euros, a price Atlético was not willing to pay.
Finally, the red-and-whites opted for an emergency solution with the loan of ClémentLenglet, but the club's intention remains to strengthen that position next summer transfer window. Hancko remains on the agenda of the sports management, but his arrival at the Metropolitano has now become even more complicated.
Liverpool Enters the Scene with a Concrete Offer
The English team, which had already shown interest in the Slovak, has decided to take a step forward and put an offer of around 30 million on the table. The arrival of Arne Slot to the Anfield bench has been key in this move, as the new Liverpool coach was precisely the one who managed Hancko at Feyenoord. Slot knows the center-back well and believes he would fit perfectly into his playing system.
Liverpool seeks to strengthen its defense in light of the possible departure of key players like Virgil van Dijk or Joel Matip, and Hancko has become one of its main targets. His versatility, ball-playing ability, and aerial strength make him a very attractive piece for the Premier League.
Atlético, Facing a Dilemma
With Liverpool pressing hard, Atlético de Madrid faces a complicated situation. If they really want Hancko, they will have to move quickly and get closer to the figures demanded by Feyenoord. Otherwise, the red-and-whites could lose their priority target and be forced to look for alternatives.
One of them is Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, another left-footed center-back who is liked at the Metropolitano. However, his price is even higher, around 70 million euros, which makes his signing much more difficult.