Newcastle United have had a tough time keeping hold of their best players during this summer transfer window. The Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League last season and have no European football on offer, which has been a contributing factor to the number of key players who have left the club this summer, including captain Bruno Guimaraes, whose move to Arsenal was made official very recently.
Newcastle United have also had an equally tough time convincing players to join them this summer. We have already seen two potential transfers fall apart at the final stages. Victor Munoz ended up joining Liverpool, while Johan Manzambi chose to move to Aston Villa, despite Newcastle having agreed a transfer fee with SC Freiburg.
However, it appears that one of Newcastle United’s transfer targets is open to the prospect of a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United handed much-needed transfer boost
According to Santi Aouna, discussions between Newcastle United and Marseille have already begun over a potential move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Talks are also progressing with the player, who has reportedly already given his green light for a return to the Premier League.
Marseille are believed to be looking for around €15 million to part ways with their captain. That kind of transfer fee should not be a problem for Newcastle United if they are genuinely convinced that Hojbjerg is the player they want.
There is no doubt that Newcastle United could do with a player like Hojbjerg at this point in time, firstly because of his proven quality and experience in the Premier League.
With Hojbjerg, you know what you are going to get. The same cannot necessarily be said about some of Newcastle’s recent signings, such as 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax and 20-year-old Aladji Bamba from AS Monaco.
Secondly, Hojbjerg would bring the leadership qualities that Newcastle have lost following Guimaraes’ departure. He is the captain of Marseille and has also represented Denmark at international level.
Hojbjerg could be the perfect signing
Will Newcastle United be able to complete a move for Hojbjerg this summer? That is not completely certain at this point.
That being said, if I had to make a prediction, I would back this move to happen. Several factors appear to be working in Newcastle United’s favour right now.
Hojbjerg is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League, while Marseille are believed to be receptive to the idea of his departure for the right fee.
Newcastle United therefore know exactly what they need to do: agree a deal with Marseille and convince Hojbjerg that St James’ Park is the right destination for the next chapter of his career.