Soccer player in Feyenoord Rotterdam uniform on the playing field.

Atletico Madrid stick to their Plan D in defence: David Hancko almost sentenced

The Slovakian is increasingly distancing himself from Atlético, who have been forced to resort to their last option in defence.

David Hancko was seen as the ideal man to seal the defence of Atlético de Madrid this summer. The Slovakian was delighted to play under Diego Pablo Simeone, who was very excited about his arrival. However, everything seems to indicate that the operation will not be resolved this summer, given the complexity of the matter.

Soccer player in red and white uniform applauding on a field in the rain.
The Slovakian's future seems far from Atlético | Instagram

Feyenoord , who had been demanding from the start regarding the price of their defender, insisted that Hancko 's cost was immutable. Despite Atlético 's insistence on lowering the price of the operation, the Dutch side did not give in and remained focused on keeping the player. Even so, Atlético presented a final offer that was enough to satisfy the Eredivise , but an unexpected factor seems to have truncated the operation.

The wage cap blow

The reason why Hancko will not be signed by Atlético Madrid is none other than the salary cap. The colchoneros cannot afford the player's salary, especially taking into account those of their new signings. Despite having satisfied Feyenoord , everything seems to indicate that Hancko will remain at the club for another year.

A bearded man smiles while wearing a black sports t-shirt with the MediaMarkt logo and a shield on the chest, with a metal structure in the background.
Hancko wanted to come to Atlético this year | Instagram

This event is a hard blow for Simeone's Atlético , who were enthusiastic about signing the player. The red-and-white defence was forced to sign at least one left-footed centre-back to be at full strength and the Slovakian was the favourite to occupy that position. Given the impossibility of the move, as well as that of other options, the red-and-whites were forced to resort to signing the last on the list.

Clement Lenglet is the chosen one

In the absence of the official announcement of the move, the Frenchman seems to have been chosen by the colchoneros to complete a defence in need of reinforcements. Lenglet would arrive in a more than acceptable operation for Atlético de Madrid , who have already reached an agreement with FC Barcelona for the player. Causing controversy among Atlético fans, Lenglet hopes to give his best if he ends up joining the capital club.

Football player wearing the FC Barcelona shirt during a match.
Lenglet seems to be close to joining Madrid | Europapress

Silence the critics

The Blaugrana defender hopes to condemn all his critics and give a better image than people expect. Lenglet has experience in La Liga and knows how difficult the competition is, so he can bring a lot to Atlético 's defence. While waiting, as I mentioned, for the move to be made official, Lenglet aims to wear the red and white jersey in 24/25 .