Speaking to Hampshire Live, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that Spurs target Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been stripped of the captaincy amid claims he wishes to depart the south coast.
Making the clear decision that he could not remain captain whilst refusing to pen a contract extension, it appears tensions are growing between the player and his current club – which could theoretically boost Spurs’ pursuit of the £35 million-rated man.
Would Hojbjerg be a good addition for Spurs?
Yes, 100%
No, don't need a defensive midfielder
Described as a ‘great leader‘ by teammate Angus Gunn, Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Tottenham over the last couple of months, with a recent exclusive courtesy of talkSPORT revealing that the Dane is looking ‘very likely‘ to leave this summer.
Bearing that in mind, chairman Daniel Levy and co are apparently considering a swoop for Hojbjerg, who could arguably add some more solidarity in defensive midfield as well as potentially needed leadership.
According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old has started almost every single Premier League game for the Saints this season bar two occasions where he didn’t feature – arguably proving that he is a reliable figure.
Hojbjerg also makes 2.4 tackles per 90 on average, more than any Spurs midfielder this season – only defenders Serge Aurier and Japhet Tanganga have made a higher amount for the Lilywhites.
The tenacious midfielder, commanding a salary of around £50,000-per-week as per spotrac, would arguably be a solid addition to Jose Mourinho’s plans – but our recent financial trouble may get in the way.
As per the Athletic, we have had to lend £175 million through the Bank of England to fend off revenue losses, potentially harming our transfer plans this summer.