Tottenham forced into early move for £50m midfielder
Tottenham Hotspur may be preparing to shift their focus toward a highly-rated Scandinavian midfielder in a bid to resolve their ongoing issues in the defensive midfield position. With one key target already out of reach and another proving difficult to secure, Spurs could be pushed into making an early move in the summer transfer window to avoid losing ground to a Premier League rival.
The club’s need for reinforcements in the number six role has become more urgent following the recent revelation that American international Johnny Cardoso has turned down a potential move to North London. Instead, the midfielder is reportedly on the verge of joining Spanish giants Atletico Madrid—a blow for Spurs, who had identified Cardoso as a priority option.
With Cardoso no longer a viable target and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton looking increasingly difficult to prise away from Selhurst Park, attention has now turned back to a familiar name in Tottenham’s scouting notebook: Morten Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon.
Morten Hjulmand Back on Tottenham’s Radar
The Danish midfielder was heavily linked with Tottenham earlier this year, and fresh reports suggest that the club may now be rekindling their interest in the 25-year-old. According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are once again considering a move for Hjulmand as they look to strengthen the spine of Ange Postecoglou’s squad. The report labels Hjulmand as “one to watch” for Spurs, highlighting his high energy levels, ball-winning abilities, and tactical intelligence—qualities that align well with Postecoglou’s high-octane, pressing style of play.
However, securing Hjulmand’s signature won’t come cheap. Sporting Lisbon are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £50 million, and they are reportedly confident that growing interest from other top clubs will help drive the price even higher. Among those reportedly monitoring the Danish international are Manchester United, whose interest could accelerate Tottenham’s decision-making process. The North Londoners may now be forced to act swiftly to avoid losing another key target to a domestic rival.
Hjulmand, who joined Sporting from Lecce in 2023, has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Portuguese side’s midfield. Known for his aggressive tackling, positional discipline, and leadership qualities, the former FC Copenhagen youth product is seen as an ideal candidate to anchor Spurs’ midfield and bring balance to a team that struggled in transitional moments last season.
Another Midfield Target Slips Through Tottenham’s Grasp
Tottenham’s frustrations in the transfer market haven’t been limited to just Cardoso. Another player on the club’s wishlist, England international Angel Gomes, now appears to be heading elsewhere as well. Gomes, who recently became a free agent after the expiration of his contract with French side Lille, had been strongly linked with a move to North London throughout the summer.
There was growing optimism within the club that a deal for Gomes could be completed. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported last week that Spurs had tabled a contract offer and were confident that Gomes would accept it. The midfielder’s versatility, technical quality, and creativity made him an appealing option—particularly given he would have arrived on a free transfer.
But despite Spurs’ interest and advanced talks, it has now been confirmed that Ligue 1 side Marseille have won the race for Gomes’ signature. The French club moved swiftly to secure the 23-year-old’s services, leaving Tottenham once again empty-handed in their search for midfield reinforcements.
Urgency Mounts for Spurs as Options Narrow
As the summer transfer window heats up, Tottenham find themselves at a critical juncture. The club has made clear its intention to back Ange Postecoglou with players who fit his tactical blueprint, but the search for a capable holding midfielder is proving more difficult than anticipated. With Johnny Cardoso opting for La Liga and Angel Gomes set for Ligue 1, Spurs can ill afford to miss out on yet another top target.
Morten Hjulmand now appears to be the leading candidate, but with Manchester United reportedly circling and Sporting playing hardball over the transfer fee, Tottenham will need to act decisively—and soon—if they want to get their man.
Whether Daniel Levy is willing to sanction a £50 million move early in the window remains to be seen, but Spurs fans will be hoping the club can finally land the midfield anchor they have long been searching for.