Sofia Quijada
Real Madrid could be about to enter the race for Manchester United target Morten Hjulmand, according to reports. Jose Mourinho, the ex-Chelsea and United manager currently in charge at Benfica, is poised to depart the Portuguese club and take over at Madrid as they seek a permanent replacement for Xabi Alonso. Mourinho signed a two-year deal with Benfica when he joined back in September, but that stint now appears to be coming to a close despite the club completing an invincible league campaign last weekend, finishing third in the Liga Portugal table.
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Alvaro Arbeloa has been in interim charge at Madrid since Alonso was sacked, and the ex-Spanish international has not done enough to convince the club hierarchy to hand him the position permanently.
Mourinho Targets Hjulmand for Madrid Move
According to Foot Mercato, Mourinho wants Hjulmand to join him in the Spanish capital this summer. The midfielder plays for Benfica’s domestic rivals Sporting CP but is currently sidelined with injury. His contract at the Portuguese club contains a release clause of £70m, though a report from last week claimed an agreement had been reached to allow him to leave this summer for just £35m.
Arsenal and United were reportedly leading the chase before Madrid’s interest emerged. Manchester City, Tottenham, and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest in the 26-year-old.
What a Hjulmand Exit Means for United and Arsenal
United have a broader midfield shortlist in motion. Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba are among the targets for the Red Devils, while Shea Charles has emerged as a budget option after Southampton were ejected from the Championship play-off final. Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall is also on United’s radar this summer.
Arsenal, fresh from being crowned Premier League champions, still need central midfield depth. Martin Zubimendi‘s performances dropped in the latter stages of the season, and another option in the middle would reduce the pressure on the Spaniard. The Gunners are not anticipating heavy spending after committing £250m just under 12 months ago, making an affordable profile like Hjulmand’s a logical fit.
Whether Madrid’s entry reshapes the market around Hjulmand or simply inflates his price, this story is far from settled. Follow TipsGG for the latest transfer updates and match analysis across European football.
Read also: Mourinho Pushes Real Madrid to Sign Dalot as Carvajal’s Successor