Juventus`s ongoing search for midfield reinforcement has reportedly honed in on Danish international Morten Hjulmand. The 24-year-old midfielder, currently plying his trade for Sporting Clube de Portugal, is understood to be a subject of close observation by the Turin-based club.
Hjulmand made the switch to Sporting CP in the summer of 2023 from Italian side Lecce in a transfer valued at approximately €20 million. As is common practice in Portuguese football, Sporting included a significant release clause in his contract, reportedly set at €80 million. This figure is typically intended to protect the club`s asset and deter potential suitors unless they are willing to meet the substantial fee outright.
However, reports emerging from Italy suggest that this very clause has become a point of contention between Hjulmand and his current club. According to information cited, the midfielder is disputing the validity or current value of the €80 million clause. The basis of this challenge is allegedly linked to a conditionality tied to the presence of former head coach Ruben Amorim.
Hjulmand`s stance, as reported, is that the clause`s value or enforceability was intrinsically connected to Amorim remaining at the helm. With Amorim having departed Sporting CP midway through the past season to take up a position at Manchester United, Hjulmand`s representation is reportedly arguing that the premise upon which the clause was established has changed significantly.
Sporting CP, renowned as formidable negotiators in the transfer market, are unlikely to yield easily to such a challenge. The Portuguese club reportedly has little desire to part ways with a key player like Hjulmand, especially having recently navigated complex discussions surrounding the future of striker Viktor Gyokeres, where they were reportedly under considerable pressure to facilitate a move. Sporting`s default position tends to be adherence to contractual terms, particularly robust release clauses designed to generate significant capital.
While Hjulmand remains a prominent name on Juventus`s list, he is not the sole candidate. The club is also understood to be monitoring other profiles, including Brazilian midfielder André at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur. Both Premier League-based players are reportedly attracting attention from multiple clubs, indicating potential competition should Juventus formalize their interest.
Ultimately, the potential for Morten Hjulmand to move to Juventus appears currently tethered to the resolution of his internal dispute with Sporting CP regarding the €80 million release clause. Until this complex contractual matter is clarified or a compromise is reached, any approach from Juventus, or indeed any other club, faces a significant and potentially protracted hurdle.
