Juventus`s persistent interest in Sporting CP`s Danish midfield linchpin, Morten Hjulmand, appears to be more than just polite observation; reports from Italy suggest it`s heating up considerably.
The Turin-based club, known for its strategic moves in the transfer market, is reportedly preparing a substantial offer of €40 million for the international midfielder. However, in a demonstration of Sporting`s valuation of their key asset, the response from Lisbon is straightforward: they will only entertain negotiations at the figure of Hjulmand`s release clause, set at €80 million.
This stance sets up a classic transfer market deadlock. Juventus sees value at €40 million for a player who arrived at Sporting in the summer of 2023 from Lecce for a fee reported to be close to €20 million. Sporting, on the other hand, having integrated Hjulmand as a vital component and, indeed, their captain, views him as worth double the potential incoming bid – a figure designed to ward off suitors or secure maximum value if he departs.
Since joining the Portuguese champions, Hjulmand has proven his worth, accumulating 96 appearances, contributing 7 goals and 6 assists from his defensive midfield role. More significantly, he has been instrumental in a period of domestic success for the club, helping secure back-to-back national championships among other trophies. His influence and leadership on the pitch underscore Sporting`s reluctance to part ways easily.
The ball, it seems, is now firmly in Juventus`s court. While their €40 million offer signals serious intent, it falls precisely 50% short of Sporting`s publicly stated requirement. Whether Juventus is willing to significantly increase their bid to match the release clause, or if this initial offer is merely the opening move in a protracted negotiation dance, remains to be seen. Sporting`s position is clear: Hjulmand isn`t leaving unless his valuation, as stipulated in his contract, is met. It`s a high price for a midfielder, but Sporting clearly believes he`s worth every penny of that €80 million.
