David Hancko is leaving Feyenoord for Atlético Madrid, the Rotterdam club confirmed on Wednesday evening. The Slovakian defender, whose transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr fell through on Tuesday, is signing a multi-year contract in Madrid.
The 27-year-old Hancko still needs to pass a medical examination before the transfer is complete. He will leave Feyenoord’s training camp in Germany on Thursday morning and fly to Madrid.
According to various media outlets, Atlético is paying Feyenoord around 30 million euros, and that amount could increase by millions through bonuses.
Al Nassr was reportedly going to pay 40 million euros for the 27-year-old Hancko, who was under contract in De Kuip until mid-2028. To the displeasure of Feyenoord and Hancko, Cristiano Ronaldo’s club called off the transfer at the last moment.
“It is scandalous how the people of Al Nassr have treated Dávid. He had an agreement with Al Nassr, and so did we,” said director spokesman Raymond Salomon.
After the transfer fell through, Hancko and Feyenoord quickly moved on, although it will not result in a record amount. Santiago Giménez, who was sold to AC Milan for 32 million euros in January, remains the Rotterdam club’s record transfer.
Feyenoord bought Hancko for 6 million euros
A year ago, Atlético also tried to take over Hancko from Feyenoord, but the Eredivisionist did not agree at the time.
Feyenoord took over the now 27-year-old Hancko from Sparta Prague three years ago for 6 million euros, so the club is making a significant profit. The 52-time international became champion with the club and won the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruijff Schaal.
With Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Feyenoord almost has Tsuyoshi Watanabe’s successor inside. The 28-year-old Japanese has been playing for KAA Gent since 2023. Young Oranje defender Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough is also said to be in the picture.