Athletes grapple with a dilemma.
Juventus and Sporting Lisbon in Transfer Standoff Over Morten Hjulmand
Italian football giants Juventus are reportedly pursuing a deal for Morten Hjulmand, the Danish midfielder currently captaining Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. However, negotiations have hit a roadblock due to Sporting's firm stance on Hjulmand's €60 million release clause.
According to reports, Juventus have offered around €40 million, but Sporting are unwilling to accept this sum. Hjulmand, who has given the 'green light' to his return to Italy, is said to be pushing for a compromise closer to Juventus' valuation.
Juventus see Hjulmand as their primary midfield target to strengthen coach Igor Tudor's squad, but they face financial constraints as they struggle to sell several departing players to free funds for new transfers.
Meanwhile, Juventus are also scouting alternative midfielders such as Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma, Brighton’s Matt O’Riley, and Fenerbahce’s Sofyan Amrabat should the Hjulmand deal collapse.
Pantaleo Corvino, the sporting director of Lecce, was the one who discovered Hjulmand, and his entourage remains convinced that they can reach a more reasonable agreement with Sporting.
Elsewhere, Viktor Gyokeres, another key player, has already been transferred to Arsenal, with Hjulmand's potential departure following suit. Former Juventus footballer Frederik Sorensen has praised Hjulmand's profile, suggesting he would fit well at Juventus.
Should Hjulmand join Juventus, he would be set to earn a much higher salary than his current earnings at Sporting, with a contract valid until June 2030.
As the transfer saga continues, Juventus will be hoping to secure the services of Hjulmand and strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
Despite the ongoing transfer standoff between Juventus and Sporting Lisbon, Juventus remain eager to secure European-leagues midfielder Morten Hjulmand, with Hjulmand pushing for a compromise closer to Juventus' valuation. In case the Hjulmand deal collapses, Juventus have identified alternative midfielders such as Premier-league players Yves Bissouma and Matt O’Riley in their squad-strengthening efforts.
