Is Tottenham Hotspur Considering A Move For Morten Hjulmand From Sporting Lisbon?
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shown interest in Morten Hjulmand, the midfielder from Sporting Lisbon and Denmark. The 24-year-old, previously associated with Copenhagen, Admira Wacker, and Lecce, has swiftly made an impact in Portugal since his move from Lecce for €18m (£15.4m) during the summer transfer window.
While primarily known as a defensive midfielder, Hjulmand is also proficient in roles as a number eight or even a number 10. He has already accumulated two goals and four assists from 36 appearances for Sporting during his debut season.
Hjulmand has started 20 Primeira Liga matches for Ruben Amorim’s side, who currently lead the table by one point over Benfica with a game in hand, and has featured in seven of their eight Europa League matches so far.
Before joining Sporting, Hjulmand had received his first senior call-up for Denmark. Since then, he has represented the national team on three occasions, including starting in a Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Northern Ireland in November.
The 24-year-old is under contract with Sporting until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season, with reports indicating a release clause of €80m (£68.5m), providing a potential exit option for the right price.
Hjulmand and Sporting will resume their Europa League campaign this week, hosting Atalanta BC in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday, where scouts are expected to be present to assess promising talents.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Tottenham has shown interest in Hjulmand, with the North London club already sending members of their scouting team to observe the Dane in action.
Spurs representatives were reportedly in attendance during the first leg of Sporting’s Taca de Portugal semi-final against Benfica on February 29. Hjulmand contributed with an assist for Pedro Goncalves’ header in a 2-1 victory.
The report suggests that Sporting is anticipating an official bid from Tottenham for the Danish international. Interestingly, Hjulmand, a lifelong supporter of Arsenal, bears the Gunners’ commemorative 125-year crest from the 2011-12 season tattooed on his shoulder.
Despite his allegiance to their fierce rivals, Tottenham is reportedly considering Morten Hjulmand as an ideal midfield signing to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is expected to depart this summer.
The former Southampton player’s contract in North London runs until the end of next season, and he recently switched agents to Luca Puccinelli of USG Italy in anticipation of a potential move elsewhere.
Hojbjerg stayed put in North London during the January transfer window despite links to Juventus. The Italian side might reignite their interest in the summer following Paul Pogba’s four-year doping ban.
In addition to Hjulmand’s fellow countryman, Oliver Skipp’s future in North London seems uncertain. He has started only four Premier League games this season due to the impressive form of Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
Tottenham secured a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, maintaining their position five points behind Aston Villa in fifth place in the Premier League table, albeit with a game in hand.
