Hojbjerg first in as Mourinho adds steel
PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG was today set to become Jose Mourinho’s first summer signing at Tottenham after he passed a medical yesterday.
Spurs have agreed a £15million deal to sign the Denmark midfielder from Southampton.
Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker-Peters is set to move the other way in a separate deal believed to be worth about £12m. It means Spurs are effectively paying £3m, plus Walker-Peters, for Hojbjerg.
Mourinho believes Hojbjerg can bring leadership to a Spurs squad that he has accused of lacking grit. Everton also had interest in Hojbjerg but the 25-yearold made it clear he wanted to move to north London.
After securing a sixth-placed finish and a Europa League spot for next season, Mourinho is looking to strengthen further this summer with defensive reinforcements.
Walker-Peters spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton and is expected to make the move to St Mary’s permanent, though personal terms are still to be agreed.
The 23-year-old has made 24 appearances for Spurs since making his debut under Mauricio Pochettino in 2017.