Liverpool lead chase for complete £70m midfielder

The summer could see a full midfield refit taking place at Liverpool.

Head coach Arne Slot has been relying on the same cast of midfield characters for the last couple of seasons.

He is now getting diminishing returns from some of them - with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch a long way short of their Premier League title-winning best.

There is also a tricky contract situation to resolve over Curtis Jones - who is out of contract in 2027 and who could be sold to Manchester City if no renewal is quickly agreed.

And Liverpool are ready to compete for the signing of 26-year-old Denmark international Morten Hjulmand according to a new report in Caught Offside.

Liverpool want £70m deal for Hjulmand

The Sporting CP captain is under contract until 2028 and has got an €80m (£70m) release clause in his contract.

Liverpool - along with Manchester United - are in the hunt for the No6 - whose wage demands have been put at the £120k to £150k per week mark.

“Liverpool are thought to admire his versatility and endurance, particularly as they continue refining their midfield following several recent changes,” the report reads.

“Hjulmand’s contract reportedly runs until 2028 and includes a release clause set at €80 million, a figure designed to protect the club from losing him at below-market value.

“Both Man United and Liverpool are leading the race to sign him and both of them can offer him a promising project with a similar wage package.”

Morten Hjulmand: Situation summary

Morten Hjulmand, 26, is a Danish defensive midfielder who joined Sporting from Lecce in August 2023 for around €18–19.5m and has since become club captain.

Standing around 1.85m, he plays as a 6: screening the back line, breaking up play and recycling possession with simple, vertical passes rather than Hollywood diagonals.

Ruben Amorim used him as the tactical anchor for back‑to‑back title‑winning sides, with his leadership and consistency driving a steady rise that includes Primeira Liga Best XI recognition and a breakout Euro 2024 goal for Denmark against England.

Form‑wise, he has been a near ever‑present since arriving, with 70+ Sporting appearances and only a handful of goals but clear influence in control and defensive metrics.

Contractually he is tied down with an €80m release clause, yet Sporting are understood to be open to bids in the €40–50m range after a handshake agreement to listen from summer 2026.

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