Breaking News: United Turn to Sporting Captain Hjulmand After Baleba Pursuit Collapses
Manchester United are weighing up a move for Sporting CP’s captain, Morten Hjulmand, after their chase for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba came to a halt. The club has already spent the summer bolstering their attacking options, securing high-profile signings such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, but manager Ruben Amorim now wants to strengthen his midfield.
Baleba had been on United’s radar as their next big-money addition, but that pursuit has been shelved until at least next summer. In response, Amorim has turned his focus to a player he knows intimately from his spell in Portugal. Hjulmand, described as an “absolute monster” by journalist Zach Lowy, was one of Amorim’s most trusted figures at Sporting, where he played 65 games, lifted two league titles, won a domestic cup, and rose to the position of captain.
United are believed to be preparing an offer of around £50 million for the 26-year-old, hoping to strike a deal before the transfer window shuts in two weeks. Although his contract includes a release clause of £68 million, Sporting may be willing to accept closer to £50 million with performance-related bonuses factored in.
At the same time, United have an eye on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, though negotiations could prove difficult given how little time remains before the window closes. Still, Hjulmand is said to be open to reuniting with Amorim and testing himself in the Premier League, even if United cannot offer European football this season.
