The 2 reasons Theo Hernandez move to Atletico Madrid collapsed | OneFootball

Theo Hernandez had hoped to join Atletico Madrid, but the Milan asking price of over €20m isn’t the only problem, as local fans are against the move.

The left-back is coming to the end of his contract in June 2026 and has been told to find himself another club this summer, because the wage demands for an extension were rejected outright.

Theo Hernandez frustrating figure for Milan

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan leaves the pitch after receiving a red card for diving during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This is proving to be a problem, because the France international has turned down a very lucrative transfer to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

He had his heart set on Atletico Madrid, but as Football Italia already reported, Milan rejected the offer of €18m plus €2-3m in add-ons.

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Rafael Leaoafter scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 14, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This has put the brakes on the move, partly because the asking price is considered excessive for a player down to the last year of his contract.

Another reason cited by La Gazzetta dello Sport is that the Atletico Madrid fans made it clear they are not happy with the idea of the 27-year-old returning.

He was a product of the Atleti youth academy, but left to join their rivals Real Madrid for €24m in 2017, so is considered a traitor.