Morten Hjulmand has distanced himself from rumors about moving to Manchester United in the summer, stating that he is ‘very happy’ at Sporting and ‘feels at home’.
The 24-year-old moved from Serie A team Lecce to Sporting last August and has quickly settled in Portugal, becoming one of the top midfielders in Primeira Liga football this season.
Despite being known more as a defensive midfielder, Hjulmand has scored three goals and provided two assists to help the club secure top position with just eight games left in the season.
Hjulmand was heavily linked with Manchester United during the January transfer window, even though he was only midway through his debut season at Sporting. Reports this week suggest that United still admire Hjulmand and are closely watching his progress, possibly preparing to make an offer at the end of the season. Barcelona are also said to be very interested in the Danish player..
Reports However, it’s clear that Hjulmand is fully focused on Sporting for now and has no immediate plans to leave for a top European club.
‘Estadio Jose Alvalade is a very special place to play. I feel at home,’ he told Portuguese publication Betano.
The Denmark international is ‘very happy’ at Sporting (Picture: Getty)
‘I knew the importance of the club in Portugal, and also in Europe, as Sporting has played in the Champions League and the Europa League many times,’ Hjulmand added.
‘But it was after watching the first game, and after arriving here at the club, that I realized the importance of the club in Portugal.’
When asked if joining Sporting was the right decision, Hjulmand said: ‘It was the right step and I’m very happy to be here.’
It’s understood that Sporting may increase Hjulmand’s salary and offer him a role in their leadership group, including players like Sebastian Coates, Luis Neto, and Antonio Adan, to persuade him to stay with the club in the long term.
Hjulmand's current contract with Sporting, signed last summer, runs until 2028.
Hjulmand has been selected for the Denmark national team five times and is expected to be part of Kasper Hjulmand’s squad for this summer’s European Championships.
The midfielder’s performances for Sporting this season have attracted the attention of Manchester United.
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