Lecce Agree Club-Record Sale of Key Midfielder

Lecce are on the verge of completing the biggest sale in the club’s history as Morten Hjulmand prepares to join Sporting Lisbon. According to Fabrizio Romano, all parties have agreed upon the final details for the Danish midfielder’s imminent switch to the Primeira Liga.

Hjulmand’s transfer is an unprecedented deal for Lecce. Sporting will pour €18 million plus another €3m in add-ons into the Italians’ coffers to prise the 24-year-old away from Stadio Via del Mare. It’s arguably the most illustrious piece of business in the club’s recent history.

It’s worth noting Lecce shelled out a mere €170,000 to purchase Hjulmand from Admira Wacker in January 2021. His quick rise to stardom in Puglia is now about to earn Rober D’Aversa’s side a hefty profit. A total figure of €21m will bolster the club’s financial sheets.

Despite relinquishing their captain’s services, the Giallorossi will be well-compensated. Hjulmand’s move to Sporting represents the most lucrative sale ever made by Lecce. It trumps Mirko Vucinic’s €15.75m transfer to Roma in 2007. 

While replacing a player of Hjulmand’s quality and leadership skills won’t be a walk in the park, Lecce will at least have a decent war chest to support D’Aversa’s recruitment plans.

The former Admira man played a vital part in helping the club win back Serie A promotion in 2022. His performances didn’t waver last term as he continued to pull all the strings in the engine room. But Lecce will need a new midfield metronome in 2023/24.