Atletico Madrid Make Major Defensive Addition with Signing of David Hancko
Atletico Madrid have bolstered their backline with the signing of Slovakian international David Hancko from Feyenoord, in a move that marks the Dutch club’s most lucrative sale in history. The 27-year-old defender inked a five-year deal with Diego Simeone’s side, joining the Spanish giants for a reported €35 million.
A Landmark Move for Feyenoord and Hancko
The transfer fee not only signals Atletico’s confidence in Hancko’s abilities but also sets a new club record for Feyenoord. The Dutch side’s previous biggest sale was striker Santiago Giménez, who joined AC Milan for €32 million. For Hancko, this transfer represents a significant step forward in his career after emerging as one of the Eredivisie’s top defenders.
Rising Star in Rotterdam
Hancko initially arrived at Feyenoord in 2022 from Sparta Prague for just €6 million. He wasted little time making an impact, becoming a key figure in the heart of Feyenoord’s defense. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role in guiding the club to the Eredivisie title and a deep run to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
His leadership qualities earned him the role of vice-captain behind Quinten Timber, and he added a domestic cup title to his resume the following year. Over three seasons, Hancko made 140 appearances and scored 15 goals — an impressive tally for a center-back.
A Deal Nearly Derailed in Saudi Arabia
Before sealing his move to Madrid, Hancko’s future took an unexpected twist. He was on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and had already linked up with the squad during their preseason camp in Austria. However, the deal collapsed suddenly when the club, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, pulled out at the last moment. Feyenoord publicly criticized Al Nassr’s handling of the situation, calling their behavior “outrageous.”
This surprising turn of events reopened the door for Atletico Madrid, who had previously shown strong interest alongside Juventus. The Spanish side moved swiftly to finalize the signing once the Saudi move fell apart.
A New Chapter Under Diego Simeone
Hancko now joins a defensive unit under Diego Simeone that is known for its tactical discipline and intensity. With his physical presence, aerial dominance, and leadership experience, Hancko is expected to be a valuable asset as Atletico Madrid aim to challenge for silverware both domestically and in Europe.
