Barcelona look as if ultimately they will not be bringing in a midfielder this summer, with Hansi Flick so far trusting 17-year-old Marc Bernal at the base of their operations. However one of their scouted targets will likely be available next summer.
Sporting CP and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand is coming off the back of an impressive campaign, and had been attracting the attention of some of Europe’s giants in recent months. Hjulmand decided to remain and has been given the captain’s armband by Sporting, but Gianluca di Marzio has told Tipsbladet that he will likely be on the move next summer. Barcelona are unlikely to be alone if they do pursue him.
“Hjulmand was a target of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Sporting decided to make him the new captain because he deserved it,” di Marzio explained.
If Barcelona don't return to La Liga's 1:1 rule, neither Eric García nor Iñigo Martínez will leave. @ffpolo
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 27, 2024
“He is a player who is loved by the coach and his teammates. He decided to stay and they then decided he is the perfect captain for Sporting, but I think this is the last season for him. Next summer is his summer, because top players like him go to top clubs.”
Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with Hjulmand although their interest has cooled, and Barcelona links have not appeared in recent months either. If Bernal turns out to be the real deal, then the Blaugrana may not be in the market for a midfielder next summer, but Frenkie de Jong will also be a candidate to leave unless he signs a fresh deal, with his contract up in 2026.
