If rumours prove true and José Mourinho indeed becomes the new Real Madrid manager next season, Manchester United will have a long battle to fight for the signature of Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand. As per reports, Mourinho wants Hjulmand in the middle of the park and will be asking the Real Madrid higher-ups to make him a priority signing.
As things stand, there is no official news on Mourinho's return to the Santiago Bernabéu, but rumours keep getting stronger with each passing day. As per these reports, a say in the team's transfer plans is among the demands put forth by "The Special One" if he is to make a return to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid have been linked to Manchester City icon Rodri for some time now. If Pep Guardiola leaves the Etihad this summer, the chances of the Ballon d'Or winner making a switch to Real Madrid could become brighter. However, fresh reports claim that Mourinho wants Hjulmand in spite of the Rodri situation.
There is an €80 million release clause attached to Hjulmand's current Sporting CP contract, which runs until June 2028, but the club will be open to accepting a deal well beneath it, reports said when the Manchester United interest emerged. It was claimed that the Portuguese side will agree to sell their midfielder for a sum around €60 million. As per the latest reports in the Spanish media, the asking price has further slipped to €50 million.
Who is Morten Hjulmand?
Hjulmand represented Austria's Admira Wacker and Italy's Lecce following his graduation from Copenhagen U19 before joining Sporting. Arsenal have also been impressed by his positional intelligence and press-resistance ever since facing him in the European circuit.
He is someone who can help the team progress through the middle of the park rather than bypass it with long balls. Hjulmand is also known for his long-range vertical passes that let his side switch the play. Against counter-attacking teams, his tactical fouls and game awareness often help to nip threats in the bud.
Manchester United are expected to make multiple midfield signings this summer and had emerged as a clear frontrunner for Hjulmand's signature despite interest from Manchester City and Arsenal. If Mourinho arrives at Real Madrid and the club agrees to bid for the Dane, the equation could well change again.
Mourinho to return to Real Madrid?
The current Benfica boss José Mourinho’s previous spell at Real Madrid (2010–2013) happened when Pep Guardiola's 'Tiki-Taka' football was thriving at Barcelona. He won the 2011–12 La Liga title and defeated prime Barça in the 2010–11 Copa del Rey summit clash, which was a major morale-boosting win for Los Blancos.
There is a specific break clause in the former Chelsea manager's Benfica contract that will let him depart without a fee if a deal is completed within a strict timeframe. This clause expires roughly 10 days after Benfica play their final match of the current campaign around mid-May, the reports said. Since Real know of Mourinho's desire to make a return, they will act accordingly.