In an interview with TA3, David Hancko revealed that while Al Nassr wasn't his first choice, the Saudi Pro League club's lucrative offer prompted discussions with his family and Feyenoord, his former club. Hancko preferred to stay in Europe.
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David Hancko was close to joining Al Nassr during the 2025 summer transfer window. Photo: Voetbalprimeur |
David Hancko was close to joining Al Nassr during the 2025 summer transfer window. Photo: Voetbalprimeur
"There was only one offer this summer, but it was so substantial that we had to discuss it," Hancko said. "From one perspective, uprooting my pregnant wife to Riyadh wasn't ideal, but she was willing to relocate. Of course, she had her own preferences."
Hancko was candid about the financial disparity: "I'd have to play at Atletico for 20 years to earn what Al Nassr offered over 4 years. My Atletico contract is for 5 years."
After playing for Feyenoord from 2022-2025, Hancko sought a new challenge this past summer. A potential 47 million USD transfer to Al Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, would have been a record sale for Feyenoord, with Hancko earning a reported 14 million USD annually.
Following a preliminary agreement, Hancko traveled to Austria for Al Nassr's pre-season training. However, he was isolated at the hotel and prevented from training. Days later, Al Nassr abruptly canceled the deal, shocking both Hancko and Feyenoord.
Feyenoord spokesperson Raymond Salomon described Al Nassr's actions as appalling and outrageous. "He had an agreement with Al Nassr, as did Feyenoord. Then they brought him to pre-season only to abruptly inform him he was no longer welcome. This is unprecedented," Salomon stated.
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David Hancko made his Atletico debut on 23/7/2025. Photo: Atletico |
David Hancko made his Atletico debut on 23/7/2025. Photo: Atletico
After the Al Nassr debacle, Hancko returned to Europe, joining Atletico Madrid, a club that had shown interest in him the previous season. When things soured in Austria, Hancko's agent alerted Atletico to his availability. "Atletico accomplished in a day and a half what we hoped they would do in a year and a half," the 27-year-old defender commented.
Hancko has played in the first three La Liga matches and will face Villarreal with Atletico on 13/9. Three days later, Atletico Madrid will travel to London to play Tottenham in their opening Champions League match of the 2025-2026 season.
Hong Duy (adapted from Marca, Flashscore)
