Exclusive: Tottenham Hotspur to Pursue Morten Hjulmand Despite Thomas Frank Exit

Tottenham Hotspur will press ahead with plans to sign Danish international Morten Hjulmand this summer despite Thomas Frank’s departure from the North London club, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Sporting Lisbon captain remains high on Spurs’ long-term midfield shortlist, but they now face stiff competition from Arsenal and Atletico Madrid for the highly-rated 26-year-old.

Hjulmand, who famously sports an Arsenal tattoo, has been monitored by Tottenham for several seasons, while Manchester United also explored a move for the former Lecce standout last summer.

Although the opportunity to work under fellow Dane Frank would have been a major attraction, Spurs’ interest in Hjulmand is understood to be independent of the former Brentford boss, whose exit has not altered the club’s recruitment strategy.

Premier League is the next step

A move to the Premier League is viewed as the natural next step in Hjulmand’s career. He has been a key figure for Sporting as they attempt to defend their league title and push deep into the Champions League.

Manchester City have also reportedly included Hjulmand in their ideal three-man shortlist to succeed Rodri, adding further Premier League competition for the Danish midfielder.

Rui Borges’ side finished seventh in the group stage, level on points with Chelsea and Manchester City and just one behind Spurs in the race for automatic qualification to the last 16. Domestically, Sporting sit second, four points adrift of Porto and three clear of Benfica.

Sporting are braced to make a substantial profit when Hjulmand moves on this summer, having signed him for around £18 million, with his current valuation estimated at £60–70 million.

Arsenal, who struck gold with Martin Ødegaard following his move from Real Madrid in 2021, view Hjulmand as a player of similar pedigree. With Mikel Arteta’s side again expected to challenge on multiple fronts next season, the Dane would offer both depth and genuine competition in midfield.

Danish national team boss Brian Riemer, who previously worked alongside Frank at Brentford, has already endorsed Hjulmand’s Premier League credentials, saying: “He has the necessary qualities to play for the six or seven best clubs in the English league.”