The transfer corridor between Juventus and Portugal has been active for months, and now it’s heating up further as the Turin club turns its attention to Sporting Lisbon’s influential midfielder, Morten Hjulmand. After welcoming Alberto Costa earlier this year—and with the permanent signing of Francisco Conceicao pending—Juventus have set Hjulmand as a primary summer target to bolster their midfield.
Hjulmand: The Target and the Challenge
La Stampa report (as quoted by ilbianconero) that Juventus began with informal discussions but has now entered detailed negotiations. Sporting, however, are holding firm on a high valuation: while Hjulmand’s release clause stands at €80 million, the Portuguese champions have set their asking price at a minimum of €50–60 million. Juventus considers this figure too steep, but club executives, especially general manager Damien Comolli, are confident there’s room for a substantial discount that could make the move feasible.
Hjulmand, a standout defensive midfielder and former Lecce player in Serie A, has emerged as one of Sporting’s most reliable figures and captains. At just 26, he already has significant experience and has expressed a strong willingness to return to Italy, reportedly even reaching a preliminary agreement with Juventus. The player’s motivation to join the Bianconeri, combined with his positive memories of Italian football, could be a decisive factor in moving negotiations forward.
Alberto Costa: The Negotiating Card
Sporting’s keen interest in Juventus fullback Alberto Costa adds a vital dimension to the Hjulmand talks. Costa, who joined Juventus from Vitoria Guimaraes just six months ago, is enthusiastic about a return to Portugal. Sporting has already tabled a €20 million offer, though Juventus is holding out for a higher fee. The prospect of bundling Costa’s transfer with Hjulmand’s could prove advantageous for both clubs, reducing Juventus’s cash outlay and facilitating a deal through an important player swap component.
By linking the two negotiations, Juventus would have a chance to offset part of the cost of signing Hjulmand—potentially using Costa’s value to bridge the gap and secure favourable terms. Any additional shortfall could be financed through outgoing transfers from the squad.
