Sporting CP manager Rui Borges has acknowledged the strong interest from Real Madrid in midfielder Morten Hjulmand, stating it is a “completely natural” development given the player’s quality and recent form. The potential move comes as incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho begins planning his summer transfer strategy ahead of his return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to COPE, Mourinho has directly requested that the club pursue Hjulmand, who currently plays for Sporting CP. Mourinho, who will officially take charge at the end of the season, is prioritizing strengthening several areas of the squad, with a replacement for the departing Dani Carvajal at right-back also a key target.
Borges responded to the speculation surrounding Hjulmand, emphasizing the midfielder’s consistent performance and impact for Sporting. “I see it as completely natural, especially considering the player he is and the excellent seasons he’s had at Sporting,” Borges stated, as quoted by Marca. “He’s a player who features in a lot of matches every year. His quality is evident to everyone. It doesn’t surprise me at all that Real Madrid – or any other top club – would be interested in him or talking about him.”
Hjulmand joined Sporting CP in the summer of 2023 from Italian side Lecce and has quickly established himself as a key component of the Portuguese team’s midfield. The Denmark international has a reported release clause of €80 million (£69m, $93m) in his current contract, which could be a significant factor in any potential negotiation with Real Madrid. Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, has had ample opportunity to observe Hjulmand’s abilities firsthand.
The potential acquisition of Hjulmand would represent a significant addition to Real Madrid’s midfield, providing Mourinho with a dynamic and technically gifted player capable of dictating play. It could also signal a shift in midfield priorities as Mourinho rebuilds the squad in his image.
