Newcastle United in advanced talks to secure Hojbjerg from Marseille
The Tyneside club is finalising a €15 million deal for the 31-year-old, aiming to replace Bruno Guimaraes following his departure to Arsenal.
Newcastle United are in the final stages of negotiations with Olympique de Marseille to sign Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, according to reports from Foot Mercato. The club is pushing to conclude the agreement this week, with the potential for a medical and squad integration to take place before the weekend.
The proposed transfer, valued at approximately €15 million, is viewed by the Newcastle hierarchy as a low-risk, cost-effective acquisition. Sporting director Ross Wilson has identified Hojbjerg as a primary target to reinforce the midfield following the departure of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal. The move provides the Tyneside club with immediate Premier League experience and defensive stability.
Hojbjerg, 31, spent the previous two seasons at Marseille, where he established himself as an effective holding midfielder in Ligue 1. He brings over 250 top-flight appearances to his name, having previously played for Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. His reputation for leadership and ball-winning capabilities is seen as an ideal fit for the intensity of English football, requiring no lengthy adjustment period.
Marseille are reportedly motivated to facilitate the departure due to financial pressures to raise capital and reduce their wage bill. This economic context has opened the door for the Danish international to leave at a reasonable fee, aligning with Newcastle’s strategic preference for cost-efficient entries into the market.
The potential signing comes as Newcastle United begin their campaign under new manager Matthias Jaissle. The club recently secured a 2-1 pre-season victory over Valencia, although the match was marred by an injury to Anthony Elanga following a tackle by Jose Luis Gaya. Reports indicate the injury is less serious than initially feared, though specific details on his availability for upcoming fixtures remain unconfirmed.
Newcastle’s immediate schedule includes a match against Everton on Wednesday, followed by games against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg. The club is working to finalise the Hojbjerg deal before scheduling a medical, aiming to add crucial depth to the squad for the upcoming season.
