Milan Target Hjulmand Has Already Said Goodbye to Sporting CP Teammates

Morten Hjulmand has said goodbye to his Sporting CP teammates as AC Milan push for a summer transfer. The Danish midfielder, who previously played for...

Jun 21, 2026 4 min read 137 views

Milan Target Hjulmand Has Already Said Goodbye to Sporting CP Teammates

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Morten Hjulmand has reportedly said goodbye to his Sporting CP teammates as a move to AC Milan edges closer, with the midfielder hoping to finalise a transfer before pre-season begins. According to Portuguese newspaper Record, as relayed by Football Italia, the Denmark international has already bid farewell to colleagues at the Lisbon club and expects his future to be resolved in the coming weeks.

However, there remain conflicting reports over the fee required to secure the 26-year-old, with his €80 million release clause unlikely to be met in full. Sporting are believed to be open to negotiations, but Milan are exploring a deal at a significantly lower price point as they look to rebuild under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Farewell Gesture Sparks Transfer Speculation

Hjulmand’s apparent goodbye signals a strong intent from both the player and the clubs to push through a move this summer. The Danish midfielder has been a key figure for Sporting, notably captaining the side during the 2025-26 campaign and impressing with his leadership and tactical versatility in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system—the very same formation the Portuguese boss is expected to implement at San Siro.

“Reports in Portugal claim that Hjulmand has already bid farewell to his colleagues and hopes to have a transfer finalised before the start of pre-season,” Football Italia confirmed.

While Sporting have publicly maintained a hard stance over Hjulmand’s release clause, private conversations suggest they are willing to accept a fee in the region of €45-50 million—a figure Milan hope to negotiate down further. The Rossoneri are actively seeking a deep-lying playmaker and view Hjulmand as an ideal fit, given his existing relationship with Amorim and familiarity with the tactical demands of the league after his previous spell with Lecce.

Hjulmand’s Journey: From Lecce to Lisbon

Hjulmand originally rose to prominence in Serie A with Lecce, where his combative style and passing range caught the eye of Sporting in 2023. The Portuguese side paid around €18 million for his services, and he quickly established himself as a midfield fulcrum, helping the club lift the Primeira Liga title in 2024-25 and earning the captain’s armband.

The move to Milan would represent a return to Italy, a league he knows well. With AC Milan aiming to climb back into the top four after a turbulent season, adding a player of Hjulmand’s profile is seen as a statement of intent. The Denmark international’s ability to shield the defence, dictate tempo, and even contribute with the occasional long-range strike makes him a valuable asset in Amorim’s system.

Amorim’s Milan Project and the Midfield Puzzle

Ruben Amorim’s appointment at Milan has naturally accelerated links to his former Sporting players, with Hjulmand emerging as a priority target. The coach is eager to install a possession-based, high-pressing style that demands a technically secure and physically robust midfielder at its base—qualities Hjulmand possesses in abundance.

Yet Milan’s transfer budget remains constrained by Financial Fair Play considerations, and any significant outlay may depend on player sales. Reports from Italy suggest the club could offload a current midfielder to fund the deal, though no concrete names have emerged. With pre-season beginning in under a month, both Hjulmand and the Milan hierarchy will be keen to finalise terms swiftly to allow for a smooth integration.

Key Takeaways

Morten Hjulmand has reportedly said goodbye to Sporting CP teammates as he pushes for a move to AC Milan.
The midfielder hopes to complete his transfer before pre-season begins, with Ruben Amorim driving the club’s interest.
Sporting CP are willing to negotiate below his €80 million release clause, but Milan are aiming for a fee closer to €40-45 million.
Hjulmand previously played for Lecce in Serie A, so he is familiar with Italian football.
Conflicting reports still exist over the final fee, but both sides are optimistic a deal can be struck.