Pundit on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg quitting Tottenham for giants after £70m latest
Noel Whelan has backed Tottenham to stave off interest from Real Madrid in transformed midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Denmark international is “one of the best midfielders in Europe” at present.
Sources at the club told this site on Saturday (20 August) that Tottenham are confident Hojbjerg, 27, will still be at the club next month despite strong interest from Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are looking to replace the outgoing Casemiro, who looks set to join Man United in a deal potentially worth £70million (as per The Athletic, 22 August).
Hojbjerg has become a key part of the Tottenham side under Antonio Conte and made 48 appearances across all competitions last term.
The former Southampton star is under contract at Spurs until June 2025.
Whelan insisted Tottenham will fight to keep Hojbjerg despite bolstering their midfield with the signing of Yves Bissouma this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think they’ll fight to keep him.
“He’s proven already this season what an important player he has become under Conte.
“He has become more consistent, and he’s a permanent fixture on the teamsheet straight away.
“I can understand why Real Madrid want him, because he’s playing like one of the best midfield players – not just in the Premier League, but in Europe.
“I think they’ve got to try and do what they can to keep him, and I didn’t think I’d be saying that after some of his performances when he first signed.
“What he’s doing right now is invaluable for that front three at Spurs.”
In other news, Tottenham expert backs Conte’s Djed Spence decision as fans fume.