Football BaBe
Transfer Tug-of-War: Man Utd and Juventus Face Steep Price for Morten Hjulmand
In the heated world of football transfers, Sporting CP‘s Morten Hjulmand has become a hot commodity, with powerhouses like Man Utd and Juventus circling. As clubs scramble to bolster their midfields ahead of the new season, Sporting’s firm stance on the Danish star’s valuation is throwing a wrench into potential deals, highlighting the escalating costs in today’s market.
- Both Juventus and Manchester United show strong interest in acquiring Hjulmand
- Sporting CP has established a valuation of €80 million for the player
- The Italian club is proposing a deal involving Douglas Luiz and additional funds for the midfielder
Morten Hjulmand’s Rising Profile Attracts Man Utd and Juventus
Reports from Italian media suggest that Juventus is crafting a mixed proposal for Hjulmand, incorporating midfielder Douglas Luiz along with a cash component. Meanwhile, sources in Portugal indicate that no formal proposals have arrived for the player, who carries a release clause valued at €80m (around £68m or $92m). Sporting CP remains steadfast, insisting on offers that approach this substantial amount.
Sporting CP’s Investment in Hjulmand Pays Off
When Sporting CP acquired Hjulmand from Lecce in Italy for €18m (£15m/$21m) back in 2023, it marked one of their pricier acquisitions, ranking third in the club’s history. Fast forward to now, and he’s evolved into a pivotal figure and a cornerstone asset, much like striker Viktor Gyokeres. This ascent has sparked attention from international teams, including a potential link-up with his former coach Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Yet, following Gyokeres’ recent move to Arsenal, Sporting is determined to hold onto their core talents, declaring that only proposals matching the release clause will spark discussions- a tactic to deter persistent admirers.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations and Player Preferences
According to Portuguese reports, Hjulmand’s representative has notified Sporting of an impending offer from Juventus, potentially reaching €40m (£34m/$46m) supplemented by a player exchange. Italian outlets further note that the midfielder has settled on personal terms with Juventus and expresses enthusiasm for returning to Serie A. That said, his strong bond with Amorim-who played a key role in luring him to Sporting initially-might sway him toward a switch to Manchester United, adding an intriguing layer to this transfer saga.
Updated Insights on Hjulmand’s Market Value
Recent analyses, including data from Transfermarkt as of mid-2024, estimate Hjulmand’s current market value at around €35m, though his on-field contributions-like captaining Denmark at Euro 2024 and delivering consistent performances in Liga Portugal-justify Sporting’s inflated demands. This scenario mirrors high-profile cases, such as the prolonged negotiations for players like Declan Rice, where clubs held firm to extract maximum value.
Sporting CP’s Strategy to Retain Morten Hjulmand Amid Interest
By setting such a high bar, Sporting CP aims to discourage suitors for Hjulmand, enabling the team to concentrate fully on gearing up for the upcoming campaign without further disruptions.
