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Morten Hjulmand could end up at one of the biggest Premier League clubs, suggests new head coach of Denmark, Brian Riemer.
At 25, the Denmark international has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, having impressed fans and pundits alike with his positional awareness, passing range and ball-carrying ability from deep.
Hjulmand, who moved to Sporting Lisbon from Leece in 2023, is considered one of the most crucial cogs in Rúben Amorim’s setup, and is starting to attract the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs with his performances.
During the summer, it emerged that United were considering the possibility of making a move for the Dane amid their struggle to find an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte.
United ultimately secured Ugarte’s signature and Hjulmand stayed in Portugal for another season. However, after seeing his progress at Sporting, Riemer has backed him to join a top English club.
The former Brentford assistant coach, who has recently been named Denmark’s manager, told O Jogo (via Sport Witness): “I spent two years in the Premier League and I think he has the necessary qualities to play for the six/seven best clubs in the English league.
“Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City… At a certain point in his career, I believe he will arrive at one of these teams.”
Shining light on his player’s qualities, Riemer compared Hjulmand with the “defensive midfielders of the past” due to his ability to control the entire game and lead his team.
The Red Devils could certainly do with a technically proficient midfielder as well as a leader in the middle of the park.
Erik ten Hag underlined the lack of midfield options at his disposal by naming only three midfielders in his matchday squad to face Fenerbahçe.
Most surprisingly, he started right-back Noussair Mazraoui as the most advanced midfielder in the Europa League.
However, it is not going to be easy for any suitor to sign Hjulmand next summer, as the 25-year-old is tied to Sporting until 2028 and his contract reportedly includes a release clause worth €80 million.
