Midfielder appears close to Spanish switch

Manchester City's pursuit of Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand has hit a snag, with Atletico Madrid emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.

The 27-year-old Danish midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Etihad this summer, not least because of his relationship with City's director of football Hugo Viana. Viana was the man who brought Hjulmand to Sporting from Lecce in 2023, back when he held the same role at the Portuguese club.

Hjulmand has impressed since arriving in Lisbon, registering three goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions last season. His form has attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester United too, but City were thought to hold an advantage given the Viana connection.

That advantage may now have evaporated. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Atletico Madrid and Hjulmand have reached a 'preliminary agreement' over a summer move. The Spanish side are expected to open formal negotiations with Sporting shortly.

City are not out of the race entirely — at least until Atletico agree a fee with the Portuguese champions — but Diego Simeone's side currently hold the edge.

“I cannot comment on any agreement. It is in Sporting's hands. They are good people. I am sure that at some point we will reach an agreement.”

That was Hjulmand's agent Ivan Marko Benes back in April, speaking to Record. The message was clear: Sporting would let him leave if the right offer came in.

Hjulmand joined Sporting on a five-year deal for an initial €18 million in August 2023 and inherited the captain's armband from Sebastian Coates the following year. He has since made 141 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists.

His official release clause is set at €80 million, though reports suggest there is an agreement in place allowing him to leave for somewhere between €40-50 million. With two years remaining on his current contract, Sporting are under no immediate pressure to sell — but the window is open.

The 2026-27 campaign begins in August. Whether Hjulmand lines up in blue or red and white remains to be seen.