Sporting has thwarted Atlético de Madrid's pursuit of their captain and influential midfielder, Morten Hjulmand, by rejecting an offer below 40 million euros, insisting on a minimum amount that, according to our sources, is set at 40 million euros net, plus potential bonuses. This stalemate is heating up the transfer market and promises to become one of the hottest topics of this summer, with the Lions toughening their stance and making it clear that they will only release the Danish international for what they consider a fair price.
The approach by Atlético de Madrid began with an understanding with the player himself, who has reportedly lined up a five-year contract, valid until 2031, with an option for an additional year, with the colchoneros. An official proposal was then made to Sporting, but the first offer, allegedly €35 million, fell short of the expectations of the Lisbon club. Frederico Varandas, president of Sporting, left no room for doubt by publicly rejecting the Spanish proposal and stating, last Thursday, on the sidelines of the league fixtures draw, that “Hjulmand is a player of Sporting. We received an offer from Atlético Madrid and we rejected it. It is far from the value we want. We have established a fair value that is appropriate to his age, position, and the fact that he has three years with Sporting. The player and the agents know what that value is. Anything below that value, the player stays.”
This statement from Varandas comes at a time when Sporting is looking to protect its key assets, during a crucial period for the club's financial and sporting balance. Hjulmand, whose contract runs until 2028 and has a release clause set at 80 million euros, has become a central figure in the team since his arrival from Lecce in 2023 for 18 million euros. In just over a season, he has played 141 matches, scored ten goals, and provided 12 assists, being instrumental in winning two national championship titles and one Taça de Portugal. Therefore, his departure will not be made easy, and only a truly irresistible offer could convince the club's management to part with their captain.
The Hjulmand dossier gains even greater relevance considering the promise made to the player when he renewed his contract with Sporting: the Danish midfielder would have a clear path to leave starting in 2026, subject to a proposal that reflects his value and the investment made by the club. However, the interest from Atlético de Madrid has accelerated plans and placed additional pressure on the Sporting leadership, which is unwilling to settle for a low fee, even to finance future signings and balance the squad's finances.
The rejection of the Spanish proposal does not cool the interest from the colchoneros, who remain attentive and are expected to make another attempt in the coming days. In Spain, the press reports that Atlético is willing to raise their offer, aiming to meet the €40 million demanded, possibly with variables and bonuses included. Sporting, for its part, remains firm in its demand for an immediate payment and is preparing to resist, aware that Hjulmand is one of the most valued midfielders in the Portuguese league and that his departure can only happen for record numbers.
With the market heating up, all signs point to a new chapter in the negotiations. If Atlético de Madrid decides to proceed with the desired proposal, Hjulmand could bid farewell to Alvalade as early as this summer, completing a transfer that, if confirmed at the requested amounts, will be one of the largest ever in Portuguese football. Until then, the lions continue to plan the season with the Dane as a key player, but uncertainty looms over the captain's future. It remains to be seen whether the Spaniards will meet the demands and secure one of the most sought-after midfielders in European football, or if Hjulmand will continue to lead Sporting towards new titles.
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
