According to a recent report by talkSPORT, Everton have seen their second offer be declined for Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg this summer. The same source has also stated that the Toffees have made an offer worth £20m (rising to £25m) for the hard-working midfielder, but the Saints have rejected their bid as they are holding out for a fee no less than £35m.
Höjbjerg’s Solid Season At The South Coast Of England
The Danish midfielder has enjoyed another solid season at the St. Mary’s Stadium after producing a series of commanding performances at the heart of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s midfield. He has taken part in 38 matches for the English outfit this term, picking up one assist and five yellow cards in the process.
Höjbjerg is the current skipper of the Saints and deserves a lot of credit for averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.4 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season (stats via whoscored).
The 24-year-old has represented Denmark in 33 senior matches while registering three goals for his country so far. He is expected to play a crucial role for his nation when the UEFA European Championship finals kick off next year.
What Does The Saints Playmaker Offer On The Field?
Höjbjerg is a well-rounded midfielder who is not shy of working his socks off for the benefit of his side. He is proficient at making some crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances at the back and can also retain possession well in midfield. The Danish international is quite aggressive in the way he approaches the game and usually packs a lot of venom with his strikes from long range.
What Should Be Ancelotti’s Play Here?
Höjbjerg could serve as a decent squad player for the Toffees as he will strengthen Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield options at Goodison Park. He will not only add some bite and steel to the Everton midfield, but also enhance the overall quality of their match-day squad.
At 24, Höjbjerg is about to embark upon the prime years of his football career which the Merseyside outfit could look to benefit from in the coming seasons. Plus, the Danish midfield ace will offer some healthy competition for the likes of Andre Gomes, Tom Davies, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fabian Delph for a regular midfield berth in Ancelotti’s starting XI.
With all things considered, the Everton boss should consider meeting Southampton’s demands for Höjbjerg as he is undeniably a player who will help the Toffees compete for major trophies over the next few years. His all-around contributions in midfield will help the Merseyside club close the gap to the Premier League’s top six in the upcoming campaign.
