Atletico Madrid Eyeing Leon Goretzka and Morten Hjulmand: A Double Swoop on Milan’s Radar

FolioPitch.com – 29 June 2026 | In the ever-entwined world of football transfers, Atletico Madrid look to old and new Milan midfield targets as they seek to bolster their engine room ahead of the new season. According to reports from Diario AS, the Spanish side has been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, while also keeping tabs on Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand—both players previously linked with AC Milan.

The saga of Leon Goretzka has been a long-running one. The German international announced his departure from Bayern Munich months ago, and back in April, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Goretzka had given the green light to join Milan. However, with Massimiliano Allegri’s sacking as Milan head coach, those talks appear to have stalled. Allegri was known to be a long-time admirer of Goretzka, and his exit from the Rossoneri bench has clouded the potential move. Now, Atletico Madrid look to old and new Milan midfield targets by considering Goretzka as a free agent reinforcement. The 30-year-old’s experience and box-to-box style could be a valuable asset for Diego Simeone’s side, but the club is reportedly still assessing whether to proceed.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid look to old and new Milan midfield targets in the form of Morten Hjulmand, the Danish midfielder who currently plies his trade at Sporting CP. Hjulmand, a former Lecce player, has strong ties to Milan’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, who coached him at Sporting. This connection has fueled speculation that the Rossoneri might pursue a reunion. However, Atletico have now set their sights on the 25-year-old, potentially sparking a transfer battle between the two European giants. Hjulmand’s combative nature and tactical intelligence make him an attractive option for Simeone, who values discipline and energy in midfield.

For Milan, the situation is complicated. The Rossoneri are prioritizing a new central defender in the coming weeks, as reported by Matteo Moretto, but they also need midfield reinforcement. The departure of Sandro Tonali last summer left a void that has been partially filled by new signings, but the links to both Goretzka and Hjulmand indicate that the club is still in the market for a top-class midfielder. However, with Atletico Madrid now entering the fray, Milan may need to act quickly or risk losing their targets. The Spanish club’s interest could force Milan to accelerate their plans, especially if they view Goretzka or Hjulmand as key pieces in Amorim’s new system.

From a tactical perspective, both players offer different profiles. Goretzka is a powerful all-rounder who excels in advanced roles, while Hjulmand is more of a deep-lying playmaker with excellent passing range. Atletico Madrid look to old and new Milan midfield targets to cover different needs; Goretzka could provide immediate quality and experience, while Hjulmand represents a younger, long-term option. Simeone has often favored physical, industrious midfielders, and both fit that mold to varying degrees.

Conclusion: The transfer window is still in its early stages, but the intersection of Atletico Madrid and AC Milan’s transfer strategies is becoming increasingly apparent. Atletico Madrid look to old and new Milan midfield targets as they aim to strengthen ahead of a gruelling season that includes Champions League ambitions and domestic challenges. For Milan, they must now decide whether to compete for these targets or focus on their defensive priorities. Whichever path they choose, the summer promises to be one of intriguing negotiations and potential twists, with both clubs vying for reinforcements that could shape their respective seasons.