Atletico Madrid overhauls squad: exits, Hjulmand debut and lineup
Atletico Madrid is reshaping its roster ahead of the 2026‑27 season. Coach Diego Simeone plans to raise funds and cut the wage bill by moving five players – Thiago Almada, Alexander Sorloth, Matteo Ruggeri, Thomas Lemar and José María Giménez – after the club spent roughly €90 million on summer signings. New arrivals include goalkeeper Alejandro Grimaldo, midfielder Morten Hjulmand and forward Kang‑in Lee.
Morten Hjulmand, signed for €40 million, will make his first appearance in a closed‑door preseason match against Getafe, where he will compete for a midfield role with veterans Koke, Cardoso and others. Meanwhile, Sevilla FC acquired 50 % of Julio Díaz’s registration rights from Atletico for €1.5 million, retaining a buy‑back option of €2 million for two seasons, and the defender signed a contract through 2030.
Simeone’s tentative preseason line‑up for the Getafe test features Hjulmand alongside Koke, Carlos Martín, Lookman and Jan Oblak among others, signalling the squad’s new direction.
Entities: Atlético Madrid · Diego Simeone · Julio Díaz · Morten Hjulmand · Sevilla FC · Thiago Almada
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Julio Díaz transferred to Sevilla for €1.5 million for 50 % of his rights, with Atletico retaining a €2 million buy‑back option for two seasons. (article 5)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atletico Madrid spent close to €90 million on summer signings. (article 1)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Julio Díaz signed a contract with Sevilla until 2030. (article 5)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atletico Madrid will play its first official preseason friendly against Manchester United later in the season. (article 6)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atletico Madrid tested a new lineup in a closed‑door preseason match against Getafe, featuring Oblak; Domínguez, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Hjulmand; Carlos Martín, Mendoza, Lookman; Cubo. (article 6)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Morten Hjulmand signed for €40 million, making him Atletico's most expensive signing of the season. (article 4)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atletico Madrid is targeting the sale of five players: Thiago Almada, Alexander Sorloth, Matteo Ruggeri, Thomas Lemar and José María Giménez. (article 1)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Morten Hjulmand made his debut for Atletico in a preseason match against Getafe. (article 4 and 6)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atletico Madrid scheduled a closed‑door preseason match against Getafe on 28 July 2026 at the Cerro del Espino training ground. (article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sevilla FC purchased 50 % of Julio Díaz's registration rights from Atletico Madrid for €1.5 million, with a buy‑back clause of €2 million for two seasons. (article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atletico Madrid plans to generate revenue and reduce its wage bill by transferring Thiago Almada, Alexander Sorloth, Matteo Ruggeri, Thomas Lemar and José María Giménez. (article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Julio Díaz signed a contract with Sevilla until 2030 after completing his medical examination. (article)