Atlético de Madrid was left with an unsolved goal last summer by failing to secure the signing of a top-level left-footed center-back. Mario Hermoso's departure, as he did not want to renew his contract, forced the sports management to scour the market for a potential high-level replacement. For over a month, the favorite was David Hancko, who was one of the great surprises of the European Championship with the Slovak national team.
From the very beginning, negotiations with Feyenoord were too tough, especially because the Dutch didn't like the attitude of the Colchoneros. Finally, the chosen one would be Clement Lenglet, while the Slovak stayed in the Netherlands, although his departure seems imminent. Juventus of Turin made a strong bid in winter, although now they would face strong competition for the summer market.
Another Suitor for David Hancko
Atlético de Madrid held firm hope of signing the defender until the last moment, but Feyenoord had no intention of facilitating his departure. The asking price was 40 million euros, an amount that was always non-negotiable and did not allow the Rojiblancos to close the player's arrival. He had even expressed on several occasions his openness to joining the Metropolitano, but negotiations never progressed.
He has remained an undisputed starter in the Dutch team, although this season they are too far from competing for the title with Ajax of Amsterdam. Despite this, Juventus of Turin made many efforts in January to try to acquire David Hancko, although they did not reach an agreement. The intention was to have everything agreed with the club and the player to formalize it in the summer market, although it seems they will now face tough competition.
Liverpool Enters the Race
The team led by Arne Slot, former coach of the Slovak international, would be interested in closing a deal for the next season. This has been revealed by the outlet Caughtoffside, with his asking price possibly slightly above 30 million euros, just as it happened with Santiago Giménez. The leading forward of Feyenoord left the Netherlands this year to join AC Milan, a surprising move.
In any case, it seems clear that David Hancko will have more offers than last summer, making his arrival at Atlético de Madrid a miracle. Additionally, the Colchoneros have Piero Hincapié on their agenda as an alternative, a center-back who would also provide immediate performance. Bayer Leverkusen would be asking for 70 million euros to let the Ecuadorian go, a figure they will try to significantly reduce.