Lecce earns €400,000 from Morten Hjulmand’s €40m move to Atletico Madrid via FIFA’s solidarity payment system. Though sold to Sporting Lisbona in 2023 without a resale clause, the Serie A side (17th, 38 pts) automatically qualifies—proving even mid-table clubs benefit when youth-developed players thrive. Their last win came against Genoa (1-0, May 24, 2026), capping a 4-game winning streak.

How FIFA’s solidarity payment works

For players aged 12–23 at transfer, 5% of the fee goes to youth clubs. Hjulmand’s case splits €2m total: Copenhagen (€1.2m) and Admira Wacker (€400k) get the bulk, but Lecce claims €400k for his 2.5 years (Jan 2021–summer 2023).

Why this matters for the club

The payment isn’t tied to contracts—it’s an automatic right for formative clubs. Hjulmand’s journey (bought for €170k by Admira Wacker) to a €40m Atletico deal shows how youth investment pays off, even without resale clauses.

Lecce’s current standing

Struggling with a -22 goal difference (28 scored, 50 conceded) and 49 points behind Inter, the club sits 17th. Yet recent form is strong: 4 straight wins (including the Genoa victory) and a €400k windfall from Hjulmand’s move could ease financial pressure ahead of next season.