Manchester United and Arsenal are emerging as the leading contenders in the race to sign Morten Hjulmand, with growing indications from Portugal suggesting Sporting CP are already preparing for life without their captain.
The Danish midfielder has become one of the most closely watched names ahead of the summer transfer window, and momentum around his future appears to have shifted in recent days. While Manchester City initially looked well positioned to secure his signature, reports now increasingly place United and Arsenal at the centre of the conversation.
Behind the scenes, Sporting's actions appear to be reinforcing the belief that Hjulmand's time in Lisbon could be approaching its conclusion.
Farewell feeling growing around Morten Hjulmand
According to reports in Portugal, Sporting's Portuguese Cup final against Torreense on 24 May is increasingly being viewed as a potential farewell appearance for Hjulmand.
The midfielder reportedly wants to leave with another trophy and recent events have only strengthened that feeling. Hjulmand scored Sporting's third goal in a 3-0 victory over Gil Vicente, a moment that some reports have described as carrying additional emotional significance given the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Having followed transfer situations like this over recent seasons, clubs often reveal intentions through their actions before any official announcement arrives. Sporting's current planning increasingly resembles a club preparing for a major departure.
However, negotiations remain ongoing and no transfer agreement has yet been completed.
Sporting already planning for a post-Hjulmand era
Perhaps the strongest indication of Sporting’s thinking is the work already taking place around midfield recruitment.
Reports suggest club president Frederico Varandas could be prepared to negotiate a transfer fee of around €40 million despite Hjulmand carrying an official €80 million release clause.
The club have reportedly already accelerated plans for midfield reinforcements.
| Sporting midfield plans | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Morten Hjulmand | Expected summer departure |
| Rodrigo Zalazar | Reportedly signed |
| Pedro Lima | Expected arrival |
| João Palhinha | Preferred replacement target |
Source: Portuguese media reports – 21 May 2026
João Palhinha has reportedly emerged as the preferred long-term replacement and is said to be open to lowering his salary to facilitate a return to Portugal.
Key Points
- Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for Morten Hjulmand
- Manchester City remain interested but appear less prominent
- Sporting could accept around €40m despite an €80m release clause
- Sporting are actively strengthening their midfield options
- The Portuguese Cup final could become Hjulmand's farewell appearance
What's next
The immediate focus remains on Sporting's Portuguese Cup final, but attention is expected to quickly switch towards formal negotiations after the season concludes.
Manchester United and Arsenal may now intensify discussions as both clubs continue evaluating midfield priorities. Sporting's transfer activity also suggests they may be preparing for movement sooner rather than later.
If the current direction continues, the story may soon become less about whether Hjulmand leaves and more about where he lands.
Would Morten Hjulmand fit better at Arsenal or Manchester United next season?
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