Manchester United Faces Competition for Morten Hjulmand Amid £69m Claimed Fee

Manchester United may need to increase their financial commitment for midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who currently plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal. Reports indicate that the club is interested in acquiring the 26-year-old Danish player as they seek to bolster their central midfield options. The interest in Hjulmand has intensified following his strong performances at Sporting, where he has established himself as a key player.

United’s pursuit of Hjulmand will not be without challenges. According to the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas has set a high bar for potential suitors, insisting that Hjulmand’s release clause of €80 million (approximately £69 million) must be met for a transfer to take place. Alternatively, Sporting may consider a similar offer that includes performance-related add-ons, although without such terms, the likelihood of a deal is deemed “unlikely.”

The midfielder’s influence at Sporting is notable; he plays a pivotal role in the team as they aim for the Liga Portugal title for the third consecutive season. Rui Borges, the head coach, relies on Hjulmand not just for his skills on the pitch but also for his leadership qualities in training sessions. Despite the interest from other clubs, Hjulmand reportedly feels “very comfortable” in Portugal and has expressed no immediate intention to leave the club for at least one more season.

Manchester City is also said to be monitoring the situation closely, adding another layer of competition for Manchester United. Furthermore, Juventus has emerged as a potential contender, with reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting they are considering a swap deal involving Douglas Luiz along with additional financial compensation. Nonetheless, Luiz’s current salary of approximately £4.3 million per year may complicate matters for Juventus.

As the transfer window approaches, Manchester United will need to navigate these challenges carefully. The club’s strategy will likely involve weighing the financial implications against the potential benefits of securing a player of Hjulmand’s caliber.

For fans eager to stay updated on Manchester United’s transfer activities and other football news, subscribing to dedicated newsletters or following expert analysis on podcasts offers a way to remain informed. The team’s endeavors in this transfer market are sure to be closely watched as they aim to enhance their squad for the upcoming season.