Morten Hjulmand has acknowledged the speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho prepares to take the reins at the Bernabeu. The Sporting CP captain described it as a “great honour” to be associated with the Spanish giants, though he remained focused on his current club ahead of their Taca de Portugal final.
Reports in Spain, notably from COPE, suggest Mourinho has identified Hjulmand as a priority target as he seeks to rebuild the Real Madrid squad following a trophy-less two seasons. Mourinho, who previously managed Real between 2011 and 2013, is in final negotiations to return to the club, replacing Alvaro Arbeloa as manager.
Hjulmand joined Sporting from Lecce in 2023 and has since become a key figure for the Portuguese side, making 141 appearances and contributing 10 goals. He has also secured three major honours with Sporting, including back-to-back league titles in 2023-24 and 2024-25. This season, however, Sporting finished second in the Liga Portugal Bwin, six points behind Porto.
Speaking before Sporting’s surprise 2-1 extra-time defeat to Torreense in the Taca de Portugal final, Hjulmand stated, “It’s a great honor for me to see my name linked with a club like Real Madrid, but I’m at Sporting and I care deeply about this club.” He added that he felt it was not the appropriate time to discuss his future, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Sporting’s remaining commitments. Mourinho had a close view of Hjulmand’s abilities this season, as Benfica and Sporting frequently battled for domestic supremacy.
Real Madrid concluded their La Liga campaign with a 4-2 victory over Athletic Club, finishing second behind champions Barcelona by eight points. Mourinho’s current club, Benfica, enjoyed an unbeaten league season but ultimately finished third, two points behind Sporting. The potential arrival of Hjulmand would bolster Real Madrid’s midfield options as Mourinho aims to restore the club to its former glory.
