Sporting Midfielder Morten Hjulmand Keen on Transfer to Juventus

Juventus’s persistent search for a commanding presence in their midfield appears to have zeroed in on a new, compelling target: Sporting CP’s Danish international, Morten Hjulmand. Reports from Italy, notably Corriere dello Sport, indicate that the industrious midfielder has given his explicit approval for a potential summer move to Turin, signaling a significant development in the Old Lady’s transfer strategy. This news comes as a crucial pivot for Juventus, especially after their pursuits for other high-profile midfield targets, Granit Xhaka and Sandro Tonali, encountered insurmountable obstacles, forcing the club to recalibrate its ambitions for the engine room.

Hjulmand, 24, has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most reliable and understated defensive midfielders. After making his name in Serie A with Lecce, where he captained the side and showcased immense leadership qualities despite his young age, he moved to Sporting Lisbon last summer. In Portugal, Hjulmand has continued to impress, becoming an integral part of Rúben Amorim’s dynamic squad. His playing style is characterized by relentless pressing, astute positional awareness, and a remarkable ability to break up opposition play. Beyond his defensive prowess, Hjulmand possesses a decent passing range and the vision to initiate attacks from deep, making him a well-rounded option capable of dictating tempo and providing a crucial shield for the backline. This profile aligns perfectly with Massimiliano Allegri’s desire for a robust, tactically intelligent midfielder who can offer both defensive solidity and contribute to ball progression.

Juventus’s midfield has been a significant area of concern over the past few seasons, often lacking the consistent grit, creativity, and defensive discipline required at the highest level. The departures of key figures and the inconsistent form of others have highlighted the urgent need for reinforcement. While Granit Xhaka’s experience and leadership were appealing, his move to Bayer Leverkusen from Arsenal closed that door. Similarly, the long-standing dream of signing Sandro Tonali, an Italian talent with immense potential, was quashed by his surprising switch to Newcastle United from AC Milan. These setbacks have pushed Juventus to explore alternatives, and Hjulmand, with his proven track record in two different European leagues and his relatively younger age, presents a highly attractive proposition that balances immediate impact with long-term potential.

The financial aspect of any potential deal will, as always, be key for Juventus. Hjulmand joined Sporting for a fee reported to be around €18 million, and his contract runs until 2028 with a hefty €80 million release clause. However, it is understood that Sporting might be open to negotiations for a figure significantly lower than the clause, likely in the region of €30-40 million, especially given Hjulmand’s clear desire to make the move. Juventus will need to structure a deal that aligns with their current financial constraints, potentially involving performance-related add-ons or a staggered payment plan. Should the transfer materialize, Hjulmand would likely slot directly into the heart of Allegri’s midfield, providing the much-needed steel and organizational ability alongside established players like Manuel Locatelli and Nicolo Fagioli, offering a renewed sense of balance and control to the Bianconeri’s tactical setup. His arrival would undoubtedly be seen as a statement of intent, signaling Juventus's commitment to rebuilding a midfield capable of competing for top honours both domestically and in Europe.

Morten Hjulmand transfer Juventus midfield targets Sporting Lisbon midfielder Serie A transfer news Juventus transfer strategy Massimiliano Allegri signings Defensive midfielder search Granit Xhaka alternative Sandro Tonali transfer Hjulmand player profile Italian football transfers