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It wouldn’t be a transfer window if we didn’t have some crazy last minute way the heck out there transfer rumors, and boy have we got one for you this morning! Sky Sports’ transfer tracker is now suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur are considering making what they call “an audacious late move” for Southampton CM Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Southampton 2018-19. pic.twitter.com/uzMUGhRIgJ
— StatsBomb (@StatsBomb) December 21, 2018
The 24-year old Norwegian Danish international isn’t a DM, but Tottenham haven’t exactly been linked with many true DMs in this window, which raises the specter that Jose Mourinho may be willing to structure his new-look Spurs side without one in midfield. His 2018-19 Statsbomb radar is on the right.
Hojbjerg has had a nice season for Saints so far, as Tottenham should know since they’ve played them three times already. He’s less a defensive midfielder and more just a solid all-around CM — decent ball-winning, decent ball progression, decent passing, solid defense. He’s not a type that will wow you with any one thing but he’d be a solid, young presence in the middle of the pitch, adaptable and able to play with any number of midfield partners. In our writer’s room, Michael Caley called him “budget Tanguy.”
Sounds exciting, right? Well, don’t get your hopes up — there are already numerous reports coming out that are pouring cold water on this rumor.
As it stands, #SaintsFC have no intention of letting Hojbjerg leave this summer. Apart from a couple of youngsters possibly leaving on loan, their business for January is as good as done.
— Dan Sheldon (@dansheldonsport) January 30, 2020
More on Hojbjerg: #SaintsFC haven't had an official approach from #THFC. Seems to be the agents talking about this one instead of the clubs.
— Dan Sheldon (@dansheldonsport) January 30, 2020
And it makes sense! At least for this season, Saints have emerged as an actual rival to Tottenham for a Premier League table position at our around the 5-8th position. Ralph Hassenhuttl has been relying on Hojbjerg in his midfield, and it wouldn’t make any sense at all to consider selling him now.
But this summer? Who knows. Hojbjerg’s contract is up in 2021 and he would be a pretty enticing target if Mou is planning on establishing a stable of solid do-everything central midfielders. I’d certainly consider giving a long look at Hojbjerg as a potential midfield option going forward. And expect a few more wacky rumors to come out over the course of the next 18 hours. Keep your critical thinking caps on, and don’t believe everything you read.