When a player finds himself being courted by clubs from all across Europe, pretty often the lure of the Premier League proves impossible to ignore.
But not always.
HITC reported last week that Aston Villa and West Ham United had joined Liverpool in the race for Feyenoord defender David Hancko. Our sources also confirmed that talks had been held with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
And it is the latter that has turned the self-professed ‘Liverpool fan’ Hancko’s head.
Speaking to Slovakian publication RTVS, agent Branislav Jasurek admits that his client’s preferred destination is not England but Spain.
Liverpool target David Hancko likely to join Atletico Madrid
“I have to say that, of all the clubs that are currently interested in David, Atletico is in first place for us,” Jasurek explains.
“Others are more like conversations. Some are friendly because we’ve known each other for a long time. Some are new. At this point, nothing has come up that David is thinking about it more than Atletico. The second thing is that it is not yet a completed transfer.
“Both David and I like (the idea of joining Diego Simeone’s side). But they will decide in Feyenoord.”
Hancko, one of the standout defensive performers at Euro 2024, may have just seen his tournament ended by an injury he picked up during the 2-1 defeat to Ukraine last week. The Eredivisie winner has already made quite the impression over in Germany, however, outstanding during that famous 1-0 win over Belgium which has given Slovakia a real shot at reaching the knockout stages.
Hancko made a terrific goal line block to deny Johan Bakayoko, taking a knee to the face for his troubles.
As far as his future at club level is concerned, the 26-year-old’s agent believes a move to Atletico could be secured for far less than £40 million. Some reports, including one by Gazzetta dello Sport, have suggested that £25 million may be enough to strike a deal.
“He doesn’t have a release clause. That would be easier,” Jasurek adds. “The talk of 40 to 50 million is overblown.”
It would be interesting, meanwhile, if his stance was to change in the event of a Liverpool bid. Hancko has always have a spot in his heart for The Reds, but HITC understands that Liverpool are not currently planning a bid.
West Ham and Aston Villa like Euro 2024 ace
A move to Atletico, meanwhile, has been labelled a pretty ideal one for a man who shone under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot in Rotterdam.
“I think David Hancko played a very important role with that block on the line,” former Feyenoord ace Tim De Cler tells ESPN, watching on in awe as the former Sparta Prague man put his head where it hurt with the medical staff sprinting over to him for the second time.
“That, plus the result, makes him the Player of the Day. He is developing so well. He is so stable and can actually do everything. I just think he is an all-round top defender.
“If he makes it to the next round (of the Euros), his market value will also increase. More and more clubs are becoming interested, and there were already.
“I think he can easily handle a (major European) club. I’m talking about a club like Atletico Madrid or Liverpool. He can certainly handle that.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
