According to Portuguese media reports, Sporting CP has reached a gentleman's agreement with midfielder Morten Hjulmand, setting a €40 million base fee for his departure in the summer transfer window. The club aims to reject pressure from the player's agent and avoid a repeat of the Gyökeres transfer saga.
At the start of the season, Hjulmand, Sporting CP's captain, reached an understanding with club president Frederico Varandas: he would stay for the current campaign in exchange for the freedom to choose his next club this summer. It is understood that the two parties have agreed on a €40 million base exit fee, half of the player's €80 million release clause. This figure serves as a reference and may increase based on add-ons. Crucially, unlike the chaotic transfer of Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal last year, both Hjulmand and Sporting CP want to avoid any disputes and cut off pressure from the agent's side.
Previously, clubs interested in Ekdal flooded the player's agent with calls, with the agent claiming there was an offer from Atlético Madrid. However, Atlético Madrid's director Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has denied interest in Ekdal. With Ekdal set to be sold in the summer, Sporting CP is already searching for a replacement. Additionally, Hidemasa Morita had a chance to leave in the winter transfer window, but Ajax ultimately did not submit an offer.
