Atletico Madrid Secure Deal for David Hancko as Newcastle Omit Isak Amid Transfer Rumours

Posted : 24 July 2025

Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with Dutch club Feyenoord to sign Slovakian defender David Hancko. The Spanish side confirmed the deal late Wednesday, stating that the transfer is pending a successful medical and the signing of a contract.

Though financial terms were not officially disclosed, Spanish outlets report the transfer is valued at approximately €30 million ($35.3 million).

Hancko, 27, has been a key figure at Feyenoord since his arrival in 2022. He made 140 appearances for the Eredivisie club and played a pivotal role in their 2022–23 league title-winning campaign.

The Slovak international had also attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, but opted for a move to LaLiga instead. Atletico, who finished third in the Spanish top flight behind Barcelona and Real Madrid last season, see Hancko as a vital addition as they aim to close the gap on their domestic rivals

Meanwhile, in the Premier League

Alexander Isak's absence from Newcastle United's pre-season tour of Asia has fueled ongoing speculation about his future at the club. Despite assurances from manager Eddie Howe just days ago that the Swedish striker would be included in the squad for matches in Singapore and South Korea, Isak has been left out due to what the club described as a “minor thigh injury.”

The 25-year-old forward, who scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, also missed Newcastle’s opening pre-season match — a 4-0 defeat to Celtic. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Isak has expressed a desire to explore transfer options this summer. Liverpool are reportedly still interested in the Swedish international, especially after recently acquiring Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of £69 million — a player Newcastle had also targeted with a £70 million bid.

Despite mounting rumours, Newcastle maintain that Isak is not for sale. Howe reiterated his confidence in retaining the striker, stating that Isak is “happy at Newcastle” and enjoys a good relationship with teammates and staff. However, the manager also acknowledged that "it's difficult to give 100% clarity on any player."

In more positive news for the Magpies, defender Lewis Hall has returned to the squad after a lengthy injury absence. Hall has not played since February due to a foot injury but is part of the group travelling to Asia as he steps up his recovery. Newcastle are set to face Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday, before taking on a K-League All-Star team on 30 July and Tottenham Hotspur on 3 August in South Korea.

Atletico Madrid Secure Deal for David Hancko as Newcastle Omit Isak Amid Transfer Rumours

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