Sporting Lisbon Resists January Offers for Captain Hjulmand Amidst Elite Interest

According to a report from A Bola, Sporting Lisbon has decisively ruled out any possibility of selling their captain, Mikkel Hjulmand, in January, despite rising interest from Europe’s elite football clubs. The Danish midfielder has emerged as a key player in Portugal, known for his leadership and dynamic style of play. A unique clause in his contract ensures he remains untouchable during the mid-season.

Hjulmand’s current contract with Sporting extends until 2028 and features an €80 million (£71 million/$93 million) release clause. However, this clause becomes inactive outside the summer transfer window, granting Sporting full control over his transfer negotiations. Consequently, the Lisbon club can set any price during the winter, effectively deterring potential suitors like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus.

Juventus, in particular, has reignited its interest after Hjulmand’s standout performance in their recent Champions League match against the club, where he excelled in midfield battles. Nonetheless, a January move is deemed “out of the question,” as Hjulmand is not actively seeking an exit, and Sporting is unwilling to entertain negotiations until June.

The Italian club, now under the leadership of new CEO Damien Comolli, has devised a plan to pursue Hjulmand in the summer. However, their current financial situation, still recovering from past tax and legal issues, makes an immediate transfer unfeasible. Juventus needs to offload players or restructure contracts before making a substantial bid for Hjulmand.

Reports from Portugal suggest that Juventus will have to sell one or two key players, potentially including Dusan Vlahovic, their highest-paid player, who is in the final year of his contract. Vlahovic may either depart to alleviate salary constraints or agree to a pay cut to facilitate new signings.

Additionally, Juventus hopes that activating Douglas Luiz’s €30 million (£26 million/$35 million) clause in his Nottingham Forest loan deal will provide essential funds for summer acquisitions. Previously, Juventus offered between €30 million and €40 million for Hjulmand, but Sporting promptly rejected this bid. Comolli is expected to return with a more competitive offer when the transfer window reopens.

While Sporting is open to discussions next summer, they will only do so on their own terms. From June 1 to June 15, Hjulmand’s €80 million release clause will become active, although the club may be willing to negotiate for a figure closer to €50 million.

Since joining Sporting from Lecce, Hjulmand’s value has significantly increased due to his impressive performances in Liga Portugal and European competitions. This season, he has already contributed two goals and one assist in 11 league appearances, earning accolades for his commanding presence and leadership from both teammates and coaches.

Hjulmand has publicly stated no intention to leave mid-season, expressing commitment to Sporting’s title aspirations. However, his future post-2025 appears increasingly uncertain as top European clubs gear up for a competitive bidding war.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City have been closely monitoring Hjulmand’s development. His connections with figures linked to the Premier League—United’s current manager Ruben Amorim and City’s sporting director Hugo Viana, who were instrumental in his arrival from Lecce in 2023—could influence his potential transfer.

United views Hjulmand as a possible replacement in midfield, particularly with uncertainties surrounding Casemiro’s future. Reports suggest optimism around acquiring him for approximately £50 million (€56 million/$66 million), though Sporting’s firm stance means they will have to wait until at least June. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City has also requested updates on Hjulmand, seeing him as a tactical fit for his rotational midfield system.

As it stands, both English clubs are expected to engage in a bidding war alongside Juventus in the summer for one of Europe’s most accomplished midfielders.

Sporting will now focus on their domestic league and European campaigns, with Hjulmand being central to the club’s tactical setup. They face a crucial sequence of matches in both league and continental competitions, and retaining their captain until summer is deemed vital for stability, starting with their upcoming domestic fixture against Marinhense, followed by a Champions League match against Club Brugge.

As the three clubs eye the Danish international, they are expected to revisit negotiations in June, with patience being their only option until the release clause activates. Until then, Hjulmand’s performances will significantly influence his market value and whether any club meets Sporting’s valuation.