In a recent edition of The Transfer Window Podcast, transfer expert Duncan Castles stated that Tottenham Hotspur have launched a move to recruit Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg this summer when he said (transcripted by The Daily Express), “Southampton see him as a player they have to sell in this market.
“They, I’m told, have three offers so far for the player, none of them are satisfactory, one extremely low at a financial level, and they have an offer of cash plus players in exchange, which I understand has come from Tottenham Hotspur.
“My information is that Jose Mourinho likes Hojbjerg and he sees him as a player obviously with substantial Premier League experience who he can bring into the centre of his midfield, can play a couple of positions in midfield at a relatively low cost, and solves some of the problems he sees in that squad.
“We’ve seen Mourinho talk about how he sees the market developing this year.
“We told you on the podcast I think two months ago now that Daniel Levy basically told him there would be no money for large transfer fees and he would have to look for players who are free agents or could be signed on loan with an option to buy in a year’s time.”
Höjbjerg’s Decent Run Of Form At The St. Mary’s Stadium This Season
The Saints midfield ace has experienced another solid campaign in the Premier League after producing a string of dominant displays at the heart of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s midfield. Hojbjerg has made 34 appearances for Southampton this term, securing one assist in the process across multiple competitions. He has primarily been deployed as a defensive midfielder which explains why he has failed to get involved more often in the final third.
The Danish international has averaged 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 1.4 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.3 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). Höjbjerg’s stats showcase just how useful he can be for his current employers at both ends of the field.
The 24-year-old has also featured in 33 senior matches for the Denmark national side while scoring three goals for his country thus far. He will once again play a crucial role for his nation when the UEFA European Championship finals take place next summer following the competition’s deferral due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Are The Ex-Bayern Munich Midfielder’s Strengths?
Höjbjerg does not have the pace to make recovering runs inside his half, which can sometimes make him a liability on the field. However, he makes up for it using his remarkable strength to outmuscle the opposition at the centre of the park. The Danish midfield ace is often quick to read the danger that allows him to pull off some vital interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his side.
He is not shy about working his socks off in midfield and can also cook up some inviting goal-scoring opportunities in the offensive end of the pitch. Hojbjerg tends to generate a lot of power with his strikes from long range but needs to improve his productivity in front of goal if he intends to be a success story at a club like Tottenham.
Is Höjbjerg The Right Fit For Jose Mourinho?
Based on his current form, the Kopenhagen-born midfield ace might struggle to secure regular first-team football at North London next season. However, he has what it takes to be a capable squad player under the expert stewardship of Jose Mourinho. Hojbjerg will not only add some stability and variety to the Spurs midfield but also offer some much-needed competition for the likes of Eric Dier, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko at the English capital.
With all things considered, the Saints midfield enforcer will be a decent fit for the North London giants but only if they are willing to utilise him as a squad player. Otherwise, Mourinho will be better off focussing his attention on landing some of their other targets in the upcoming summer transfer period.
