Chelsea target Porto's Froholdt as potential Fernandez replacement
Chelsea are closely monitoring FC Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, according to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha. The 20-year-old Denmark international has a release clause of €85 million, a fee Porto would demand to sell. The Blues view the young midfielder as an ideal candidate should vice-captain Fernandez depart the club this summer.
Froholdt joined Porto from Copenhagen just last year for €20 million and has quickly established himself as a standout performer in Portugal. His emergence has attracted attention from several clubs across Europe, with Chelsea now positioning themselves at the front of the queue. The potential move comes amid ongoing speculation regarding the future of Fernandez, whose situation at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.
In another development, Chelsea are also being strongly linked with a move for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. According to Voetbal International, the Netherlands international has decided to leave the Seagulls this summer and has rejected a new contract. His current deal expires in 2027, forcing Brighton to consider a sale. Chelsea are expected to target a centre-back with Premier League experience during the upcoming window.
Elsewhere, Manchester United and Liverpool are showing interest in Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, as reported by CaughtOffside. The Danish midfielder is expected to leave Lisbon this summer, with Sporting reportedly willing to facilitate a move after he stayed loyal to the club last year despite interest. Manchester United see him as a potential replacement for the departing Casemiro, while Liverpool have now entered the race for his signature.
In a separate story, Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is keen on a move to Manchester United, according to El Nacional. Despite signing a decade-long contract with his boyhood club last summer, the Spain international is reportedly eager to test himself in the Premier League and views Old Trafford as an ideal destination. However, Athletic Club would demand a fee in the region of €90 million for their star player, a significant obstacle given the additional costs involved in any deal.
Further transfer rumours include Aston Villa considering a move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with Emiliano Martinez's future uncertain according to the Daily Mail. Sky Germany reports that Nico Schlotterbeck's new Borussia Dortmund contract contains a €60 million release clause active this summer, but only for specific clubs like Real Madrid and potentially Liverpool. TEAMtalk suggests Robert Sanchez is likely to leave Chelsea as the club plans to promote Mike Penders to the number one role next season.
Finally, Fabrizio Romano states that Eduardo Camavinga is keen to stay at Real Madrid despite the club being open to a sale at the right price, while RTI Esporte reports that Casemiro has agreed a two-year contract with Inter Miami ahead of his Manchester United departure.
