Morten Hjulmand, the Danish midfielder for Sporting CP, has become one of the most sought-after talents during this summer transfer window, with multiple European giants expressing interest. After impressive performances at the 2024 European Championship, Hjulmand has caught the eyes of clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona.
According to reports, Hjulmand’s release clause is set around £67 million, which could deter potential suitors. Tottenham has been particularly active, as they seek to reinforce their midfield under manager Ange Postecoglou, who is aiming to revamp the squad following their lack of Champions League qualification this season.
Sporting CP, known for their tough negotiating tactics, is likely to hold firm on Hjulmand’s release clause. The Danish international has quickly become pivotal to Sporting's success, contributing significantly with four goals and four assists last season across all competitions. Remarkably, Hjulmand featured 49 times for Sporting and showcased his abilities by winning 56% of his ground duels and averaging 5.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, marking him as one of the top performers in the league.
Manager Ruben Amorim has expressed the necessity of keeping their key players like Hjulmand, reportedly asking the club for guarantees he won't be sold—unless his clause is triggered. This situation complicates matters for potential buyers who are eyeing the Danish star to strengthen their teams.
The race for Hjulmand's signature also sees competition from Manchester United, who are reportedly scouting for holding midfielders. The Red Devils are currently stocked with Casemiro, Scott McTominay, and Kobbie Mainoo; yet they are considering reinforcements following the decline of several key players. With Casemiro attracting interest from clubs like those in the Saudi Pro League, the urgency for United to find his potential successor is apparent.
Hjulmand only joined Sporting from Lecce last summer, but quickly established himself as indispensable under Amorim's management. His performance has led to speculation about interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, showcasing his development and potential. While he has played 15 times for Denmark, contributing to his burgeoning reputation, the question remains whether Sporting will allow him to leave if the release clause isn't met.
His current salary at Sporting is reported to be £33,000 per week, and with mounting interest, there is speculation about Hjulmand negotiating for a raise. Amid this flurry of transfer rumors, he has also received accolades for his play, including being named Portugal’s best midfielder for November, accumulating over 20% of the votes for the award—showing the respect he has garnered across the league.
For clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United who are in the hunt for midfield talent, Hjulmand presents a compelling option. His skill set aligns with both teams' needs for dynamic, defensive midfielders who can also contribute offensively. If he were to move, it would mark another significant step for Hjulmand, but the price tag remains steep—likely making any potential transfer heavily influenced by the selling club's resolve and market strategy.
Despite the intense interest, Sporting CP appears determined to keep Hjulmand as part of their strategy for the upcoming season. The challenge for competitors will be to either meet his release clause or find alternative targets, as long-standing negotiations and the club’s stance present obstacles to any potential transfer.
With the transfer window still open, the next few weeks will be telling for both Hjulmand and the interested clubs. Whether Hjulmand stays at Sporting or opts for new horizons will depend largely on the negotiations underway and the demands of his current club. Fans from all corners await the developments with bated breath, hoping to see where this gifted midfielder's career takes him next.
