Sporting Lisbon and Denmark defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand is being linked with a move to Manchester United this summer as the Red Devils look to bolster their ranks in the middle of the park.
A recent SportsLens report has revealed that Manchester United scouts are monitoring the progress of Sporting Lisbon and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand, with the Red Devils looking to upgrade the options within their squad over the summer.
It is claimed that Hjulmand, who is valued by Liga Portugal leaders Sporting at around £55-60 million, is a genuine target for Erik ten Hag‘s side as they aim to address the weaknesses among their current midfield personnel.
United were first linked with the Dane back in January when they reportedly offered Facundo Pellistri in exchange for his services, however their offer was rebuffed, but they remain admirers of the 24-year-old.
They are likely to face competition in the race for his signature though, as Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with a move, while Barcelona are also being touted as a potential destination.
With question marks over the futures of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay, along with the expected departure of Sofyan Amrabat following an underwhelming loan spell, could Hjulmand be the ideal candidate to play alongside the impressive Kobbie Mainoo for years to come?
Hjulmand desbloqueia o marcador com um golaço 🔥#sporttvportugal #TAÇAnaSPORTTV #taçadeportugal #SLBenfica #SportingCP pic.twitter.com/wfkdAs02is
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) April 2, 2024
Who Is Morten Hjulmand?
Hailing from Kastrup, a suburb of Copenhagen, the Danish capital, Hjulmand came through the youth ranks at FC Copenhagen before being sold to Austrian Bundesliga side Admira Wacker in May 2018 after impressing at Under-19 level.
Hjulmand would go on to make 74 competitive appearances for Admiraner, now of the Austrian second tier, making his first two continental appearances in Europa League qualifying against CSKA Sofia at the age of 19, in which he provided an assist for his side’s sole goal across the two legs.
After two and a half seasons in Mödling, Admira announced that 21-year-old Hjulmand had joined Serie B side Lecce on a four-year contract for a reported €2.5 million fee.
Another two and a half impressive seasons followed in Italy, in which the Dane helped the club secure promotion to the Serie A for the 2022/23 season, where he made 35 league appearances as I Giallorossi avoided relegation by finishing 16th.
Overall, he made 95 competitive appearances for the Italian outfit before he departed for Sporting last summer for a reported fee worth up to €21 million with add-ons. Penning a five-year deal in the Portuguese capital, it is claimed that his release clause is set at €80 million.
After forcing his way into Ruben Amorim‘s starting line-up within two weeks of joining, it would be at Sporting that Hjulmand really started to make a name for himself on the highest stage.
His impressive performances in the Primeira Liga and the Europa League would put some of Europe’s elite on high alert, while he also earned international recognition by being handed his senior Denmark debut against San Marino in September 2023, having previously represented his nation’s U-18, U-19, U-20, and U-21 sides.
He has since gone on to make a total of five appearances for his country, appearing in both of their most recent friendly matches against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands towards the end of March.
This season, Hjulmand has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Sporting, scoring four and assisting four, and most recently netted in the second-leg of a 4-3 aggregate victory over bitter rivals Benfica to ensure his side’s advancement to the Taça de Portugal final, while they also occupy top spot in Liga Portugal.
The now 24-year-old is a self-proclaimed Arsenal fan with the Gunners’ club crest tattooed on his upper left arm and cites legendary French midfielder Patrick Vieira as one of his idols, which could become an awkward topic of conversation for Spurs fans if Ange Postecoglou’s side follow through on their interest in the midfielder.
Hjulmand Responds To Transfer Links
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Betano, Hjulmand insisted that he is fully focused on the task at hand with Sporting and that he feels ‘at home’ despite the constant transfer rumours.
“Estadio Jose Alvalade is a very special place to play. I feel at home,” he said.
“I knew the importance of the club in Portugal and also in Europe, as Sporting has played in the Champions League and the Europa League many times.
“But it was after watching the first game and after arriving here at the club that I realised the importance of the club in Portugal.”
Hjulmand was then asked whether he had made the right decision in joining the Liga Portugal leaders last summer, to which he responded: “It was the right step, and I’m very happy to be here.”
Manchester United midfielder and ex-Sporting star Bruno Fernandes has previously commented on the Danish midfielder, revealing his admiration for the vital role he plays at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
“The two in midfield… I love Sporting’s midfield. I love [Hidemasa] Morita and Hjulmand. They’re two vital players in Sporting’s game, especially when they have to have more of the ball and be more tactically organised.”
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