of the armory The chances of signing Morten Hjulmand this summer have improved slightly, with a new report from Portugal suggesting one of the alternative routes for the Sporting captain is looking less realistic than before.
according to to ballHjulmand remains in constant contact with Sporting regarding his future, with discussions mainly centered around two leagues: England and Italy.
He says the midfielder has never hidden his desire to return to Serie A after making his name at Lecce before joining Sporting in 2023.
Although Italy may still appeal to them individually, the current market is pointing far more strongly. to the premier league.
Hjulmand and Sporting are discussing next steps
One of the more revealing details in A Bola's report is just how aligned Sporting and the players are.
There has long been an understanding between Hjulmand, his representatives and Sporting's hierarchy that this would be the summer for a transfer.
The midfielder has an agreement that allows him to leave for between €40m and €50m (£34m-£43m), while his official release clause is €80m (£69m).
The newspaper reports that talks are continuing about what happens next, but not through formal meetings. Instead, Hjulmand and Sporting talk regularly.
As captain, the Dane believes it is his responsibility to keep the club informed of developments, while Sporting has maintained open communication throughout the process.
The result is a shifting state that feels unusually calm. There is no public pressure, no disagreement over valuation and no sign of conflict. Both sides seem to be moving towards the same result.
Reuben Amorim reunion isn't happening – at least for now
When Ruben Amorim was appointed Milan manager, reports in Italy immediately suggested that he would attempt to bring Hjulmand along with him.
The logic was absolutely clear. Amorim signed the midfielder from Lecce, developing him into one of Sporting's most important players and eventually giving him the captaincy.
However, A Bola says the reality is quite different. According to the newspaper, neither Sporting, nor the players, nor their representatives have received any contact from Milan.
However the main reason appears to be money. Sporting's asking price is well above their reach, and Milan do not see a defensive midfielder as a priority area to spend that kind of money.
Italy the road is getting narrower
The situation in Milan is not the only obstacle standing between Hjulmand and a return to Italy.
Juventus played a major role in shaping the current transfer story. According to A Bola, the agreement allowing Hjulmand to leave Sporting as part of his release condition was put in place after Juventus applied serious pressure to sign him last summer.
His reputation in Turin was further enhanced when Sporting and Juventus met in the Champions League. However, circumstances have changed since then.
Juventus have changed priorities, financial restrictions have become a factor and sporting director Damien Comolli, one of Hjulmand's strongest admirers at the club, has left the club.
The newspaper also suggests that Juventus are wary of introducing another key leadership figure into a dressing room already captained by Manuel Locatelli.
At the moment, the Juventus track has gone quite cold. An Bola believes that only Inter Milan and Napoli currently have the financial muscle necessary to seriously pursue Hjulmand within Italy.
A childhood dream could lead to Arsenal
While the Serie A route looks more complicated, the Premier League route remains very active. One spoke specifically highlights Arsenal and Manchester City The situation is still being monitored at English clubs.
But for Arsenal, there is an added element. The newspaper says that moving to North London will give Hjulmand the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream.
This will not surprise anyone who has followed this story closely. Midfielder's affection for Arsenal It has come up again and again over the last few years and continues to come up whenever its future becomes a topic.
But we can't rule out Manchester City from the picture so quickly. Although some reports have suggested City have lost out to other clubs, A Bola has reported Sports Director Hugo Viana Remains a big fan of Hajulmand's qualities.
After all, he was the executive who brought the midfielder to Sporting from Lecce and knew what he could offer in England.
So while Hjulmand may still dream of returning to Italy one day, the latest developments suggest his strongest opportunities currently lie across the Channel.
