Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand has reportedly said his farewells to the squad ahead of what appears to be a major summer departure. With a possible reunion with Ruben Amorim looming, AC Milan are making strong efforts to secure the midfielder amid stiff competition from Premier League and La Liga clubs.

Goodbye to Lisbon

As per reports from Record, Hjulmand has already bid goodbye to his teammates and the coaching staff. After three years with Sporting, the 26-year-old feels that his journey at the Estadio Jose Alvalade has reached a natural conclusion. The Danish international had shown interest in moving on as early as last year, but Sporting blocked his exit at the time.

When Manchester United and Ruben Amorim expressed interest in 2025, Sporting held their ground to retain their leader. However, that came with an important understanding — Hjulmand was assured he could leave this summer for a “favourable price.” With that agreement now in force, the former Lecce midfielder is ready to challenge himself once more at a higher level, potentially returning to a league where he has previously excelled.

The Amorim connection

The key factor influencing Hjulmand’s next move is the presence of Ruben Amorim at AC Milan. The Portuguese tactician, who first brought Hjulmand to Lisbon in 2023 and swiftly made him captain, is a huge admirer of the midfielder’s abilities. Amorim has reportedly discussed Hjulmand with Milan’s management, identifying him as the perfect candidate to anchor the Rossoneri midfield next season.

The admiration between the coach and the player is mutual, and both find the prospect of reuniting in Serie A highly appealing. Amorim believes Hjulmand fits seamlessly into any elite tactical setup and would welcome the chance to bring his trusted on-field leader to San Siro. Milan see the potential signing as an opportunity to add both leadership and tactical familiarity to their ranks.

Milan face competition for Hjulmand

Despite the “favourable price” assurance, the deal won’t be simple. Sporting has made similar commitments before, most notably with Viktor Gyokeres, which led to a bidding war that eventually saw the striker join Arsenal for a significant fee. Milan are not the only club following the situation closely — Atletico Madrid and several top Premier League sides are also believed to be keen on the Danish midfielder.

Should no firm offers come in from England or Spain, Milan might move forward with a proposal in the range of €35–40 million. Within the club, there are some doubts over whether the fee is too high for a position already well covered, but the “Amorim effect” could play a decisive role. The coach remains hopeful of a reunion, while Hjulmand is said to be enthusiastic about the idea of returning to Italian football.

A proven Serie A performer

Hjulmand is well acquainted with the demands of Italian football, having established his reputation at Lecce before moving to Sporting. His tactical awareness and defensive discipline were standout qualities during his time in Puglia, and these have only improved under Amorim’s management in Lisbon. This prior Serie A experience would help ensure a smooth transition, making him an ideal “plug-and-play” addition for AC Milan.