Bayern Munich midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is reportedly close to agreeing a €15m move to Premier League club Southampton.
The Danish international who spent last season on loan to Bundesliga club Schalke 04 is set to become Southampton’s first signing under new manager Claude Puel. The move has been reported by German publication Kicker and Sky Sports have revealed the same. Liverpool were earlier linked with a move for the 20-year-old as per Daily Star but the Saints have seemingly stolen a march on the Reds’ in the transfer battle.
The transfer move has been given ignition after the player’s agent confirmed the transfer in an interview with Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.
“Yes, I can confirm that Pierre will switch to Southampton,” Soren Lerby said.
The midfielder has added to the speculation as he spoke of his desire to leave the Bundesliga champions in an interview with Danish newspaper BT.
“I want to leave and find the right place for me. I need to find something that fits me.”
The 20-year-old was very straight-forward and realistic about his next possible destination.
“It’s clear that it won’t be a top club. I want a place where there is a perspective. That’s important for me because I’ve experienced a lot at only 20 years.”
Hojbjerg joined the Bavarians from Danish Superliga side Brondby IF in 2012 and became the youngest player to feature in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich after coming on as a substitute against FC Nurnberg in 2013. The midfielder was famously honoured with the “Danish talent of the year” title in 2013 by the Danish FA, Spillerforeningen. The midfielder has gone on to make 15 appearances for the Danish national side scoring 1 goal in the process.
But, the 20-year-old has found it tough to establish himself in the first-team squad and has spent the best part of the last two seasons on loan at Bundesliga outfits Augsburg and Schalke 04. The Bavarians have recently snapped up Portugese sensation Renato Sanches which has raised more doubts about Hojbjerg’s future. The midfielder has confirmed his desire to leave through his recent comments and the statements by his agent have all but confirmed the move to Premier League.
