Atletico Madrid face competition from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for David Hancko.
As per Fichajes, Atletico Madrid have reignited their pursuit of Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko as they look to bolster their defensive options for next season. The Slovakian international, long admired by Diego Simeone’s recruitment team, is once again on the club’s shortlist following another impressive season in the Eredivisie.
Hancko has emerged as one of the most consistent and modern defenders in Europe, showcasing not only his reliability at the back but also his ability to contribute in possession and play out from the defense. Atletico Madrid, who have struggled with defensive lapses in critical moments this campaign, see Hancko as a player who can provide both stability and technical quality at the heart of their backline.
Premier League interest in David Hancko intensifies
According to Fichajes, Atletico are not alone in their admiration for the 26-year-old. Premier League clubs Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all tracking Hancko closely, while Juventus are also monitoring his situation. His current deal with Feyenoord runs until 2028, and the Eredivisie side are said to be holding out for around €50 million, a valuation that could pose a challenge for Atletico given their limited spending capacity for a single transfer.
Hancko’s growing list of suitors reflects his rise across European football. With top-tier clubs seeking centre-backs who combine defensive solidity with ball-playing confidence, the Slovak has become a coveted figure in the market.
Hancko’s Stock on the Rise
What sets Hancko apart is his multi-league experience and tactical adaptability. Having played in Italy and the Czech Republic before excelling in the Netherlands, the defender brings both maturity and an upward trajectory to any backline he joins. For Atletico Madrid, landing him would be a major coup, but they will need to act swiftly and decisively in the face of intensifying interest from England and beyond.
His price tag and contract length give Feyenoord strong leverage but also create urgency for interested parties to make their intentions known early in the summer window. Hancko is a defender in demand and it is easy to see why. His calmness under pressure, technical skill, and positional intelligence make him tailor-made for today’s top-tier football.
While Atletico Madrid may have sparked the renewed chase, Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Spurs arguably have the financial edge to outbid them. If Atletico Madrid truly want to land him, they’ll need to act fast and possibly make sacrifices elsewhere. For Hancko, the choice will come down to more than money, it will be about which project best aligns with his development and ambitions.
