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Transfer rumors, news: Man United target Sporting's Hjulmand

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 6:56 GMT by ESPN
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Who is David Hjulmand?

Born on 8 July 1997 in Denmark, Hjulmand began his football journey at FC Midtjylland, where he spent time in the youth academy before breaking into the first team. He made 28 appearances for Midtjylland between 2014 and 2022, earning a reputation for his shot‑stopping ability, command of the penalty area and composure under pressure. In August 2022, Hjulmand signed a contract with Portugal’s Sporting CP, a club with a long history of developing talent and competing in European competitions.

During his first season at Sporting, Hjulmand was the club’s third‑choice goalkeeper, featuring mainly in the cup and in the early stages of the UEFA Europa League. He played 17 Primeira Liga matches, keeping 3 clean sheets and posting a 70 % save rate – numbers that demonstrate a promising start to his European career. Internationally, he has been capped by Denmark at youth levels and has received senior call‑ups, signalling his rising profile.

Why United?

Manchester United’s goalkeeping options have been a point of concern for several months. While the club signed Brazilian world‑champion Alisson in 2021, injuries and age have left the team looking for depth behind the gloves. The departure of long‑time understudy Nick Pope at the end of last season left a void that the club hopes to fill before the start of the new campaign.

According to ESPN’s analysis, United’s senior director of football, Jon, has stated that the club is looking for a long‑term solution that offers both quality and price‑competitiveness. “We need a goalkeeper who can step up when required and also has the potential to grow with the club,” Jon said in a quoted statement. While Alisson’s contract is set to expire in 2028, the club is keen to secure a reliable backup to mitigate injury risks and to keep competition high in training.

The transfer speculation

The rumored fee for Hjulmand is reported to be in the range of €6 million to €8 million, with Sporting CP’s current contract stipulating a release clause of €10 million. Hjulmand’s agent has said that the player is interested in a move to the Premier League and would be open to a longer contract that ensures regular playing time. United reportedly wants a contract of at least five years, which would give the club a return on investment if Hjulmand develops into a first‑choice keeper.

Sources also suggest that United’s medical team has been monitoring Hjulmand’s fitness and has expressed interest in bringing him in for a trial period. “We’re looking at the data from his time in Portugal,” the United analyst added. “He’s still very young, and the numbers point to a goalkeeper who can improve.”

Other options on the table

The speculation around Hjulmand is part of a broader list of goalkeeping options for United. Other clubs, such as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea, have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the Danish international. However, United’s own management has made it clear that they are prioritising a keeper who can offer longevity and adaptability to the team’s tactical setup.

In a statement, United’s head coach Erik ten Hag emphasized the importance of squad depth. “We’re building a team that can adapt to various challenges throughout the season,” he said. “That includes having the right players in every position, including goalkeeping.”

Sporting CP’s situation

Sporting CP, one of Portugal’s “big three” clubs, has been in a phase of rebuilding after a string of underwhelming seasons. The club’s financial health has improved in recent years, but it still faces pressure to sell players to fund its ambitions. Hjulmand’s potential sale would bring in significant funds that could be reinvested in the squad or used to address the club’s wage structure.

Sporting’s manager, Pedro, has not publicly commented on the rumored move. He has, however, expressed confidence in his squad’s defensive stability, noting that “the team has a clear plan to protect the back line and create opportunities from the back.”

Current United goalkeeping lineup

As of the present, United’s goalkeeping setup consists of:

• Alisson Becker – The Brazilian veteran has been the club’s first choice for the past three seasons. Although his contract extends to 2028, his age and injury history have prompted the club to look for alternatives.
• Emiliano Martinez – Signed in 2022 from Arsenal, Martinez has been a reliable backup but has yet to secure a starting role.
• New Signings – United has recently brought in a young goalkeeper on loan from a lower‑division side, hoping to test him in the pre‑season environment.

The club’s objective is to create healthy competition for the starting spot, and a signing like Hjulmand could spark that competition.

What to watch

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the transfer rumor is a realistic possibility or a fleeting headline. United’s management has expressed interest, but a definitive decision will hinge on contractual negotiations, Hjulmand’s willingness to move, and Sporting CP’s willingness to sell.

For now, fans can keep an eye on United’s official channels for any announcements and continue to follow the evolving transfer market. If the deal goes through, David Hjulmand could become a central figure in the club’s plans to maintain defensive solidity and secure a bright future for the team.