‘’I’m not at all surprised – Sporting CP director responds to Mourinho’s interest in 26-year-old midfielder for Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s summer rebuild under Jose Mourinho involves strengthening the midfield with more intensity and balance.

The Portuguese manager, who is expected to take charge ahead of the new campaign, reportedly sees Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand as a player capable of transforming Madrid’s midfield structure immediately. 

While most of the attention around Real Madrid usually focuses on attacking stars, this move points towards a different priority – adding control, aggression and leadership in deeper areas.

The Danish international has built a strong reputation in Portugal over the last two seasons, becoming one of Sporting’s most reliable performers. 

Understandably, his consistency has not gone unnoticed across Europe, with several top clubs now monitoring his situation closely.

Competition for the Dane

It is known that interest in Hjulmand is growing rapidly ahead of the transfer window. 

Jose Mourinho wants Morten Hjulmand at Real Madrid. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

In that context, clubs from the Premier League, especially Arsenal and Manchester United, have already been strongly linked with the Sporting midfielder in recent weeks.

Despite currently recovering from injury, Hjulmand remains highly valued because of his physical presence, tactical awareness and ability to control difficult matches. 

Notably, Sporting included a release clause worth around €80 million in his contract, although reports suggest an agreement may already exist to let him leave for closer to €50 million this summer.

Response from Sporting

The growing rumours surrounding Real Madrid’s interest were recently addressed by Sporting manager Rui Borges, who appeared far from shocked by the links involving his midfielder.

While speaking to Sport TV (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Borges admitted that Hjulmand’s performances naturally place him on the radar of elite clubs.

Hjulmand could be available for €50 million. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)

“I’m taking it in stride, especially considering what a great player he is and the excellent seasons he’s had at Sporting. 

“He’s a player who plays a lot of games every year; his quality is evident to everyone.”

The Sporting coach ended his praise by stating that Real Madrid’s interest shows the level the midfielder has reached over the last few seasons.

“I’m not at all surprised that Real Madrid or another top club in the world is talking about Morten Hjulmand, just as they do about other players. 

“It’s a sign that the work has been done, at least minimally well,” he concluded.