"Which team doesn't want Jasper now?" - Source within UAE Team Emirates confirms interest in Jasper Philipsen

With 2024 a contract year for Jasper Philipsen, the Belgian did his future career prospects no harm last weekend by taking the win in the opening monument of the season at Milano-Sanremo.

Even before this win though, rumours had been swirling that the winner of the Green Jersey at the 2023 Tour de France could be set to depart Alpecin-Deceuninck. If that is to be the case it's believed there will be no shortage of suitors for his services. "We love Jasper Philipsen. Which team doesn't want Jasper now? That's the same question as which team doesn't want Tadej Pogacar now," a leading source within UAE Team Emirates recently confirmed to HLN.

Philipsen previously rode for UAE Team Emirates in the 2018 and 2019 seasons before leaving to continue his development with Alpecin-Deceuninck. The 26-year-old has stayed very close friends with Tadej Pogacar however, with may position his former employers as the leading suitors for his signature, despite interest from teams such as BORA - hansgrohe and the Tudor Pro Cycling Team.

One of the reasons Philipsen left UAE Team Emirates originally however, was his lack of leadership opportunities as the team switched to a heavier GC focus. This is something that has not changed in the years since, with Pascal Ackermann also feeling the need to depart in the hope of more sprint chances, joining Israel - Premier-Tech.

Alpecin-Deceuninck also are very keen to keep ahold of their star with Mathieu van der Poel saying as much after Milano-Sanremo. "I hope Jasper stays. I think he's in the right place in this team," said the world champion. "But that's not the only thing that matters..."