Erik Ten Hag orders Man Utd to pay £69 million for the next Casemiro after the “swap deal” is rejected.
According to rumours, Manchester United’s attempt to trade midfielder Morten Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon for Facundo Pellistri has failed. In the midst of rumours surrounding Casemiro’s future, Erik ten Hag is anticipated to sign a replacement this year, with Hjulmand emerging as a contender.
Casemiro, who turns 32 next month, hasn’t played at his best this season even when healthy, casting doubt on his £70 million transfer in 2022.
When the Saudi Pro League stages the next chapter of its European football revolution, it is anticipated that Saudi Arabia will show interest in making a deal during the summer transfer window.
And it’s rumoured that United is already setting up a signing of their own to replace Casemiro should he leave.
The Red Devils have reportedly made Pellistri available to Sporting in exchange for Hjulmand this month, according The Sun.
But the titans of Portugal turned down the approach, pointing interested parties towards the £69 million release clause of the 24-year-old midfield player.
According to rumours, United has dispatched scouts to observe Hjulmand in the Europa League and Primeira Liga at least six times already this season.
According to the article, Ten Hag is hoping that Christian Eriksen’s tight friendship with the two-cap Denmark international would help entice him to play at Old Trafford.
While Hjulmand was serving for his country, Eriksen is rumoured to have mentored him. Last summer, fellow countryman Rasmus Hojlund arrived for £72 million.
Several clubs are reportedly interested in loaning Pellistri to United during the January transfer window, with PSV Eindhoven being one of the teams linked to the player’s departure.
However, the 22-year-old has only started three games this season, and there’s a chance he’ll leave permanently.
In Ten Hag’s right-wing hierarchy, he is behind £86 million acquisition Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and maybe now Amad Diallo following his comeback from injury.
Sporting has received a rumored bid from United that indicates they are willing to approve a transfer nearly four years after he arrived from Penarol for £9 million.
Prior to joining Lecce, Hjulmand was being linked to a Premier League move, with Southampton showing interest in signing him.
He spent almost £15 million to join Sporting last summer, and in the 24 games that the Lisbon team has played since then, he has appeared in all but one. He has one goal and two assists.
It’s unclear if United will have the funds to spend a hefty transfer fee on a midfielder in the summer. The needs of a striker and center-back are seen as more urgent.
The possibility of pursuing Hjulmand may rely on Casemiro’s future and United’s ability to recover a significant portion of the exorbitant cost of the Brazil captain.
