Spurs News

Tottenham make transfer breakthrough over Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

|

According to the Telegraph, Tottenham have made a breakthrough over the transfer of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. An agreement worth £15m has been reached with Southampton that will see Kyle Walker-Peter move in the opposite direction for £12m.

Why are Southampton selling him?

Hojbjerg has been a regular for the Saints, making 134 appearances in all competitions since joining from Bayern Munich, scoring five goals and making six assists. The 24-year-old’s future at St Mary’s has been up in the air, however, as he’s entered the last year of his deal and wants to join a side in Europe.

Southampton would rather cash in on Hojbjerg than lose him for nothing next year, so they’re willing to let him go this summer. The Danish international was signed for £13.5m and will make his side a £1.5m profit.

What will Hojbjerg bring to Tottenham’s engine room?

A box-to-box midfielder who’s expert at turning over possession, Hojbjerg will not only ensure Tottenham retain more the ball, he’s strong in the air, will nullify the threat of the opposition and can turn defence into attack by driving with the ball from deep. The 24-year-old is creative in the middle of the park too, so he’ll bring us a lot of qualities.

As per WhoScored, Hojbjerg made 33 Premier League appearances last season, notching one assist, completing 78.1% of his 1823 passes, winning 55/98 of his aerial duels, making 40/52 successful dribbles, creating 30 chances, blocking 49 shots/passes/crosses, making 49 clearances and averaging a tackle (80) or interception (46) every 22 minutes.

Why is Walker-Peters being included in the deal?

The 23-year-old has been on the periphery for some time, so it’s not a major surprise that he’s being offloaded. Walker-Peters made only five appearances in all competitions for Spurs before being loaned out to Southampton in January. The Englishman has spent the campaign behind Serge Aurier and Juan Foyth in the pecking order, so it makes sense for us to let him go.

Southampton need another right-back after Cedric Soares joined Arsenal on a free transfer and Walker-Peters clearly impressed enough during his short-lived stint to warrant them returning for him this summer. The move benefits all parties, as Tottenham sell some deadwood while Walker-Peters gets to join a side willing to give him more opportunities.

Summary

It’s a good move all around. Tottenham need a midfielder who has high levels of industry, can keep the ball and also turn over possession. Southampton need a right-back to replace Cedric. Tottenham are only spending £3m and giving them Walker-Peters for Hojbjerg, so they should feel they got the better end of the deal.

In other news, Tottenham may have to pay £17m to sign Fenerbahce’s striker

Share this article

Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.