Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could make the switch to Everton, after a fee was reportedly agreed between the two teams.
The Danish international’s contract at Southampton will expire next season, and has refused to sign a new deal with the Saints.
As per Daily Echo, Hojbjerg was seen at Everton’s training ground, after the Toffees’ £25 million bid was accepted by Southampton.
The Merseyside club first placed a bid of £18 million, but Southampton rejected it. The report has also stated that the former Bayern Munich midfielder was keen on signing with Tottenham, but Spurs’ offer wasn’t close to Everton’s. It remains to be seen if Spurs will return with a better offer.
Hojbjerg moved to Southampton from Bayern Munich in 2016 for £12.8million, and has progressed well with the Saints.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – What will he add to Everton?
The signing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would be a shrewd bit of business by Everton and their manager Carlo Ancelotti.
(Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
While the transfer fee may be a tad high for a midfielder who doesn’t score or assist many, Hojbjerg has other qualities that would help the Toffees progress under the Italian manager.
The 24-year-old is an experienced player, having played over 130 times for Southampton in the last four seasons. Hojbjerg is a midfielder with loads of energy, drive and determination, capable of pulling the strings in midfield, making important tackles and interceptions, and leading from the middle of the pitch. He is a good passer of the ball, and also contributes heavily defensively.
The Danish international averaged 55.2 passes per game in the league for Southampton, while also averaging 3.2 long balls per game. He likes to get stuck in and make tackles to retrieve the ball for his team, and averaged 2.4 tackles per game in the 2019-20 season.
Hojbjerg would fit in well in the 4-4-2 system that Ancelotti has used this season, as he is a player with great discipline and energy.
Everton have a pretty decent midfield, but they were hampered by injuries to several of their midfielders. Hojbjerg would add more quality and depth to the Everton squad, and make them more tenacious in the middle of the park.
The former Bayern midfielder is set to turn 25 next month, and is still young and has a lot to offer.
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