Swap deal being discussed as Hojbjerg wants move to Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur’s season isn’t over just yet. After a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the North London Derby, Spurs are still in the thick of things for a spot in next season’s Europa League. While the club and supporters will be disappointed that there won’t be Champions League football at the new stadium next season, staying in Europe is important for recruiting new players.

One of those players is Southampton defensive midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who has made it clear to his current club that he wants a transfer this summer. According to the Evening Standard, he’s now being specific with his request and wants a move to Tottenham.

Spurs are leading the chase for the former Bayern Munich player, who is also a target for Ajax, and are confident of forcing down Southampton’s current £35million asking price , in part by using Walker-Peters as a makeweight.

Jose Mourinho wants to sign a holding midfielder after agreeing to play Eric Dier in defence and sees Hojbjerg as a realistic upgrade to his squad.

This confirms what we already know: Jose Mourinho loves Eric Dier and wants him to be a center back option with Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld. Defensive midfield is already a need for Spurs and moving Dier into the back line only makes the void bigger.

Højbjerg was stripped of his captaincy after a falling out with Southampton. The south coast club wanted him to sign a new deal but when he asked for a transfer, the 24-year-old was frozen out of the squad.

This deal makes a lot of sense. Kyle Walker-Peters was loaned out and has become the first choice at right back for the Saints. Southampton are asking a ridiculous £35m for the Danish International, which there is no chance they’re going to get for a player who has one year remaining on his contract. Including KWP in the deal will help with negotiations, though I’d expect Spurs to throw in some cash when it’s all said and done.

Højbjerg’s numbers in the defensive midfield role are very good, and while this isn’t going to make all of Europe turn their heads and applaud for an amazing deal, the bottom line is that he fits a need that’s been desperately needed. He’ll turn 25 in early August which means he has plenty of seasons in his prime to play for Tottenham. I’d expect this transfer to pick up steam once the season end in just under two weeks.