According to a report from Sky Sports [21:08], Everton are apparently interested in bringing Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Goodison Park as their ‘primary target’ – but there could be caution over his £35 million price tag from the club and fans alike.
Hojbjerg, who has started 22 Premier League games for the Saints this season, arguably becoming one of their most crucial assets, is now reportedly attracting Everton’s eye as they look to add assured quality to their midfield. However, due to the player’s current valuation of £35m, the Toffees may be turned off over a pursuit for the 24-year-old, with one supporter even suggesting that fellow Saints man James Ward-Prowse is a more viable alternative.
In terms of statistics, both players are on a level playing field – with both of them averaging an exact 77.3% pass success rate, as per WhoScored.com. While Ward-Prowse succeeds over the Dane when it comes to tackles per game (2.6), Hojbjerg has averaged more midfield interceptions (1.5) – putting the pair at odds over who is superior by the numbers. However, compared to current Toffees midfielder Fabian Delph, they both have an edge over the Englishman – with Delph averaging just 1.6 tackles per game and 0.9 interceptions.
The reports, though, link Hojbjerg with a move to Goodison – with these supporters slamming the idea of paying £35 million for his signature and one fan dismissing him as a “clown”:
Decent young player like. But 35m is a fair bit too steep.
Would rather James Ward-Prowse.
— Andreas Wätt (@Wattawildworld) January 23, 2020
Do we not have a scouting network. It has become obvious that we spend stupid money on mediocre players not worth the price. We make knee jerk decisions if someone has a decent dozen games.
— Gary McNaughton (@garymc_2) January 24, 2020
I refuse to believe that Carlo Ancelotti has this clown at the top of his transfer list for 35M
— Luke (@LukeAtMeNow23) January 23, 2020
No thanks he’s awful
— Adam Jones (@Adam_EFC_1998) January 23, 2020
I’d have him but 35mil no way!
— Luke Blanchard (@lukeblanchard17) January 23, 2020
He absolutely dreadful. Proper Walsh signing.
— Paul EFC 86 (@PaulEFC86) January 23, 2020
Would you take Hojbjerg for £35 million? Join the discussion by commenting below…
