Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s agent is reportedly in Italy today as Serie A giants Juventus look to sign the Premier League misfit from Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.
The appointment of Ange Postecoglou as Antonio Conte’s full-time replacement always seemed likely to cast doubt on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future. And, having not started a single Premier League game under the straight-talking Aussie so far, fears over the Dane’s future were clearly not unfounded.
With Pape Matar Sarr growing by the game and Yves Bissouma performing a very passable tribute to Moussa Dembele, Hojbjerg has been reduced to the role of an extra. Shunted to the side of Postecoglou’s stage.
Tottenham Hotspur were willing to let the former Southampton go over the summer – talks with Fulham broke down on deadline day – and it seems unlikely the London giants will stand Hojbjerg’s way should Juventus make an offer deemed acceptable in the New Year.
Tottenham could sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
But therein lies the issue.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Hojbjerg’s agent will hold talks with the Juventus bosses in Turin today. But while Tottenham are holding out for around £25 million, Juventus’ financial situation could restrict Max Allegri’s side to loan bids, albeit potentially with a purchase clause included.
Juve, at least, can point to ‘good relations’ with Spurs. The two clubs worked closely on the deals which saw Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur move to England a year-and-a-half ago.
Hojbjerg, meanwhile, could arrive to fill a void created by the absence of Paul Pogba. The former Manchester United playmaker is unavailable for the time being; provisionally suspended for an alleged ‘anti-doping offence’ (Sky Sports).
No league starts under Ange Postecoglou
Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano reported earlier in the week that Hojbjerg’s contract with his current agent was coming to an end. Corriere dello Sport’s own claims, however, may suggest that the Dane’s representative is still working on his behalf ahead of a potential change of scenery – and a chance of agency – in the coming months.