Eredivisie giants Ajax are keen on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg but Tottenham Hotspur’s asking price makes the Premier League enforcer ‘way, way too expensive’.
That is according to Mike Verweij, the Ajax expert and De Telegraaf reporter shedding some light on the club’s pursuit of a new ‘controlling midfielder’ ahead of the January transfer window.
The underperforming Dutchman know from experience just how difficult dealing with Spurs can be. And while they did reach a breakthrough after weeks of discussions over Steven Bergwijn back in 2022, Verweij is not expecting their interest in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to have such a happy ending.
Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is an Ajax target
“Ajax wants to get a controlling midfielder. The club would also prefer to get someone for the right winger position, but the controlling midfielder is a top priority,” Verweij explains.
“Hojbjerg’s name has been mentioned several times at Ajax. But to get such a player, a lot will have to be sold by the club.”
Verweij points out that, over the summer, Tottenham were courting bids in the region of £17 million for the former Bayern Munich and Southampton ace. The London giants reportedly want around £25 million for Hojbjerg, meaning Ajax’s best hopes lie with a short-term loan deal.
“I don’t think that will be him (who joins). But it may be that you can loan him,” Verweij wonders. Tottenham is just not the easiest club to negotiate with. Previously, a club offered twenty million euros.
“So he is actually way, way too expensive.”
Struggling under Postecoglou
The one-time Saints skipper has started just two Premier League games under Ange Postecoglou. And those opportunities only came his way due to injuries and suspensions. Hojbjerg, for instance, was introduced off the bench in Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa after Rodrigo Bentancur picked up a knock in the first-half.
Juventus have also been linked with the Denmark international.
“(Juve boss Max) Allegri needs certainty in the midfield,” former Italy striker Toni explains to Gazzetta dello Sport. “(Kalvin) Phillips from Manchester City or Hojbjerg from Tottenham would be excellent signings.”
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