Manchester City are interested in Morten Hjulmand and readying a £52 million bid for Sporting CP midfielder, as Pep Guardiola personally pushes for the signing of a player described as “complete.”
The Premier League giant are keen to strengthen their midfield amid growing fitness concerns surrounding star man Rodri, whose ongoing struggles have left Guardiola searching for a long-term solution.
Guardiola seeks stability as Rodri battles fitness concerns
Rodri’s absence has become a pressing issue for Manchester City. After missing most of the 2024–25 season due to an ACL injury, the Spaniard is still finding it difficult to regain full match fitness.
He was unavailable for City’s recent 2–0 Champions League win over Villarreal and, according to Guardiola, will not feature in the upcoming Premier League fixture.
“Aston Villa I don’t think so either. It’s not long but it’s muscular,” Guardiola explained. “We have to be careful. We tried many times to prevent another injury but we have not been able to do that so we will see.”
The City boss’ cautious tone underlines the uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s recovery. While the midfielder remains one of Europe’s elite, Guardiola is aware that City’s rhythm depends heavily on his presence.
With the demanding winter fixture list approaching, Guardiola appears determined to add depth and reliability in the heart of midfield.
Reports suggested that Manchester City are interested in Morten Hjulmand as they explore potential long-term replacements for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, with Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic among the early targets.
Yet, Guardiola’s focus has reportedly shifted toward a player with greater experience and tactical adaptability.
According to sportingnews, City are preparing an opening offer of €60 million (£52 million) for Morten Hjulmand — a move that signals serious intent.
Guardiola is said to be personally driving the pursuit, convinced that the Danish international possesses the intelligence, composure, and versatility to thrive in his system.
Hjulmand, who currently anchors Sporting CP’s midfield, can operate both as a defensive shield and as a dynamic support player further up the pitch.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also shown interest in the 25-year-old, submitting enquiries in recent weeks.
City, however, remain confident that Guardiola’s reputation and the club’s ambitions could prove decisive in convincing Hjulmand to move to the Etihad.
Hjulmand’s qualities make him ideal for City’s midfield blueprint
In Guardiola’s teams, midfielders are expected to excel in ball retention, positional awareness, and tactical discipline — traits that Hjulmand has consistently displayed in Portugal.
His performances for Sporting have earned widespread recognition, with many scouts highlighting his technical ability and leadership on the pitch.
Scout Ben Mattinson has been among those impressed by the Dane, describing him as a “complete” midfielder who blends defensive toughness with excellent anticipation and precision in distribution.
His ability to dictate play under pressure has drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s most dependable deep-lying playmakers.
CBS analyst Marco Messina has also praised Hjulmand’s rise, suggesting the Sporting star is ready for football’s biggest stage. Messina noted that Hjulmand’s transition from Serie A side Lecce to Sporting CP has showcased his adaptability and maturity — qualities that Guardiola places immense value on.
For Manchester City, the potential signing represents more than just cover for Rodri. It’s a move aimed at safeguarding the tactical structure that has made Guardiola’s side so dominant over the years.
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The City boss often emphasises the importance of maintaining control through midfield, and Hjulmand’s skillset aligns perfectly with that philosophy.
With Rodri’s physical struggles showing little sign of completely disappearing, Guardiola’s decision to push for Hjulmand could prove crucial as City chase trophies on multiple fronts.
The Dane’s versatility means he could easily slot alongside Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, or Phil Foden in different midfield configurations, giving Guardiola a range of tactical options.
