Bernardo Silva's departure at the end of the season is all but confirmed, while Rodri's future also hangs in the air amid reported interest from Real Madrid. The need to reshape the centre of the park at the Etihad is pressing.
Hjulmand fits the profile City are looking for, reports A Bola. The 26-year-old Denmark international is tactically intelligent, physically imposing and has captained Sporting through back-to-back league titles. He made the move from Lecce to Lisbon in 2023 for €19.5 million and has since made 135 appearances for the club, scoring nine times.
A key figure behind City's pursuit is sporting director Hugo Viana. It was Viana who signed Hjulmand during his time running Sporting's football operations, and the two men know each other well. That relationship could prove decisive in getting any deal over the line — and in negotiating the fee.
Hjulmand's contract contains an €80 million release clause, but Sporting are understood to be open to a figure closer to €40-50 million. City are working to get ahead of the competition, which includes Juventus and Manchester United.
No direct negotiations are yet underway between the clubs, but the informal contact has been positive and City are expected to push harder once the season concludes.
Guardiola has made no secret of his desire to add physical presence and tactical intelligence to his midfield. Hjulmand — described by those who know him closely as a controlling midfielder who reads the game early and sets the tempo from deep — fits the bill.
For Sporting, losing their captain would be a significant blow. But with the wheels already in motion and City's relationship with the club well established through Viana, the direction of travel is clear.