With Jose Mourinho widely anticipated to take the helm at Real Madrid, and Alvaro Arbeloa expected to depart at the season’s end, the Portuguese manager is already focusing on potential signings for the upcoming La Liga campaign. Despite potential delays due to Real Madrid’s elections, Mourinho is reportedly poised to sign a two-year contract, with an automatic one-year extension contingent on winning the league title.
As part of his envisioned strategy, Mourinho plans to bring two assistant coaches from Benfica and expects complete authority over player selections and transfer policy. His primary midfield target for Real Madrid is reported to be Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP, according to Cadena Cope. This comes as a surprise, given the strong links between Real Madrid and Manchester City’s Rodri Hernandez.
Hjulmand, a Danish international, has previously attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Sporting CP is expected to demand approximately €50 million for the player, who has two years remaining on his contract in Lisbon, a situation that typically prompts clubs to either consider offers or initiate renewal talks.
The 26-year-old Hjulmand joined Sporting CP from Lecce in 2023 for €19.5 million. He began his career in the FC Copenhagen youth academy before moving to Admira Wacker in Austria. After three years there, he transferred to Serie A for €2.5 million.
Hjulmand has earned 27 caps for Denmark and has become a pivotal figure and captain for Sporting CP over the past three seasons. His leadership qualities could be particularly valuable to a Real Madrid squad reportedly struggling with dressing room dynamics.
