Amorim Demands Sporting Anchor to Fuel Milan Rebuild
Tier 2 reports from MilanNews and Tier 3 updates from Tuttosport confirm that AC Milan are preparing a major midfield overhaul under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand is the priority target to anchor the side. The Danish international is the direct choice of Amorim, who developed him into a top-tier defensive screen in Lisbon.
Sporting CP are ready to sell the midfielder this summer. However, they will not compromise on their steep €50m asking price. This is a massive fee for a club that just finished a blockbuster deal last week.
Milan will need to clear significant squad space and free up their wage bill to make this transfer happen. The club has already spent heavily to land forward Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain. To balance the books, the hierarchy plans to sell several established first-team players.
As Tuttosport reported, Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are already on the exit list. Additionally, the directors are prepared to sanction the departures of Santiago Gimenez and Rafael Leao. These sales are designed to recoup the massive outlay on their new forward.
The Midfield Rebuilt from the Ground Up
Hjulmand represents the defensive screen Amorim needs to implement his tactical vision. The 27-year-old Dane has Serie A experience from his previous spell at Lecce. He combines physical dominance with smart positioning to break up opposition counter-attacks.
Under Amorim at Sporting CP, Hjulmand became a vital tactical cog. His familiarity with the coach's demands makes him the ideal candidate to protect the defence. He acts as a defensive insurance policy, allowing the rest of the team to push forward.
Milan's current midfield options are crowded but lack this specific defensive profile. The roster currently features Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, and Samuele Ricci. The club has also scheduled talks with Luka Modric to see if he will agree to a final year in Serie A. None of these players, however, offer the same physical presence as the Danish midfielder.
If Hjulmand arrives, both Fofana and Loftus-Cheek will be forced out. The French and English midfielders are considered surplus to requirements under the new tactical direction. Milan are also keeping tabs on Barcelona's Marc Casadò as a potential alternative target if the Sporting deal collapses.
Meanwhile, youngsters Kevin Zeroli and Christian Comotto are fighting for a place in the first-team rotation. Tuttosport reports that at least one of the two academy products is likely to remain with the senior squad. This youth integration is a key part of the club's long-term plan.
Financing the RedBird Gamble
To fund the Hjulmand pursuit and cover the Ramos transfer, Milan must sell. The €75m purchase of Ramos was a massive departure from RedBird's usual negotiation style. The deal was pushed through quickly after PSG opened the door to selling Ramos and Kolo Muani.
Jorge Mendes brokered the transaction, raising the final fee from the initially leaked €65m plus bonuses. Cardinale's approval came almost immediately, surprising many outside the club. This high-priced gamble has forced Milan to seek immediate capital through player sales.
As MilanNews reported, Amorim is building this team according to his exact specifications. He demanded Ramos as his top priority, and Cardinale delivered. Now, the club must execute the second phase of this strategy by offloading high-earning assets.
Santiago Gimenez is the first candidate on the chopping block. The striker, nicknamed El Bebote, arrived from Feyenoord in January 2025. He struggled significantly last season and failed to secure a regular starting spot. With Ramos taking the lead role, Gimenez faces a bench role and a sharp decline in playing time.
Selling Gimenez now allows Milan to recoup a large portion of their winter investment. The directors believe they can cash in on the Mexican international before his market value drops further. It is a harsh decision, but necessary to balance the books.
The situation surrounding Rafael Leao is even more delicate. The Portuguese winger has been the face of the club for several seasons. However, Amorim's new system demands different tactical responsibilities that may not suit Leao's style. The directors hope for a lucrative sale to free up wages, as MilanNews detailed in their recent report.
Atletico Madrid and Premier League Competition
Sporting CP have made it clear that they will sell Hjulmand this summer. However, Milan are not the only club interested in the Danish international. Atletico Madrid are keen on the player, and several Premier League clubs have initiated contact.
This competition could drive the price up, making a discount on the €50m asking price highly unlikely. Milan's board must act quickly if they want to secure the player. Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
If Milan fail to generate funds from the sales of Gimenez or Leao, they may have to walk away. The alternative options, such as Casadò, remain backup plans. The club is fully focused on delivering Amorim's primary targets.
Probability Assessment
The probability of this transfer depends entirely on Milan's ability to sell before they buy. Amorim's influence is strong, and Cardinale has shown he will back the coach's primary choices. However, finding buyers for Leao and Gimenez in a slow market will be difficult.
We rate the probability of Morten Hjulmand joining Milan at a moderate 45% chance. The tactical desire is clear, but the financial mechanics are complex. If Leao's departure is delayed, Sporting may close a deal with a Premier League suitor first.
No contract terms have been discussed with the player yet. Wages and contract length remain speculative until Milan matches Sporting's valuation. The club must clear its squad logjam before negotiating personal terms.
Expected Timeline
Do not expect a swift conclusion to this saga. Milan must first resolve the futures of Fofana and Loftus-Cheek to free up space. The sales of Gimenez and Leao will also require lengthy negotiations.
A concrete bid for Hjulmand is unlikely to be submitted before mid-July. If the deal goes through, it will likely happen in late July or early August. Sporting CP will want to secure a replacement before sanctioning the sale.
Milan will monitor the player's situation while working on their outgoing transfers. The board is prepared for a long summer of negotiations. Patience will be required from the fans as the squad is reshaped.
Expected Impact
If Milan pull this off, the tactical shift will be immediate. Hjulmand would provide the defensive stability that Milan lacked under Stefano Pioli. He would allow Amorim to deploy his preferred three-back system with confidence.
The Dane would shield the central defenders, allowing the wing-backs to push forward. This would create a more balanced structure, preventing the defensive collapses seen last season. Hjulmand's leadership on the pitch would also be a massive asset.
However, the cost of this rebuild is incredibly high. Sacrificing Leao to fund Ramos and Hjulmand is a massive risk. Ramos is a pure penalty-box striker who relies on service, and without Leao's creativity on the flank, the Portuguese forward could easily starve.
If Ramos fails to score 20 goals next season, Cardinale's high-priced gamble will be labeled a disaster. The fanbase is already planning protests against the ownership. Selling the club's biggest star to fund a new system is a high-wire act with no safety net.
