AS Roma are reportedly keen on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with Jose Mourinho eager to reunite with the Tottenham midfielder next season.
According to the print edition of Corriere della Sera (h/t Vocegiallorossa), Jose Mourinho is keen on reuniting with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg next summer, with AS Roma interested in the Tottenham midfielder. The Danish star remains a fan of the Portuguese manager, while the Italian side are eager to bring in a quality midfield option for next season.
AS Roma have endured a difficult campaign under Mourinho and are just about hanging on to their hopes of securing a top-four finish and Champions League football for next season. The Giallorossi have lacked the presence of a hard-nosed, battle-hardened leader on the pitch this season that has hurt on them on several occasions.
Mourinho wants a player with an elite mentality and leadership qualities. He was keen on bringing in Granit Xhaka from Arsenal last year, although Roma still retain an interest in the Swiss international.
Although Arsenal are in the market for a midfielder of a similar profile as Xhaka, there is no guarantee that the Switzerland international will leave the Emirates after he signed a new deal last summer. So it would serve Roma well to keep an eye out for alternatives. Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has emerged as a target in the last few days, with the Portuguese manager keen on a reunion with his former player.
Hojbjerg enjoyed a fruitful period in 2020/21 under Mourinho after joining Spurs from Southampton. He quickly became the first name on the team sheet and provided valuable leadership qualities to a midfield previously lacking players of the Danish star’s mentality.
Hojbjerg has played regularly for Spurs this season under two different managers. While a recent dip in form has been evident, the Dane remains an undisputed part of Antonio Conte’s plans.
The midfielder has praised Mourinho, claiming that he played the best football of his career under the Portuguese. He could be tempted with a move away from the club by Mourinho, although Spurs hold all the cards as he has a long term contract until 2025 at the north London side. The Serie A giants may need to offer reasonable terms to convince the Premier League club to sell a player they consider vital to their long-term plans.
It’s clear Roma want to sign a midfielder like Xhaka or Hojbjerg. But considering that both have a reasonable time left on their respective deals, signing them will not be easy. While the Swiss star remains open to a switch, Hojbjerg is yet to express such a desire.
It could be an interesting summer window ahead, as Roma could begin talks with Arsenal and Tottenham about a potential move for their vital midfielders. Eventually, the price demanded by both sides will prove crucial in determining which of those stars move to Mourinho’s team.