Ex-Liverpool player claims it would be a ‘mistake’ for Spurs to sell midfielder

Former Liverpool star Jose Enrique believes Tottenham would be making a mistake if they decide to cash in on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer.

Hojbjerg has been a near ever-present in Tottenham’s starting lineup under three different managers in Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte since arriving at the club two years ago.

The Telegraph reported on Friday that Real Madrid are eyeing the 27-year-old as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who has completed a move to Manchester United.

The report added that Carlo Ancelotti is an admirer of the Dane and that Los Blancos could launch an offer for the player before the transfer window shuts.

However, Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg subsequently stated that, despite Ancelotti being a fan of the Spurs midfielder, the reigning European Champions are not likely to sign a replacement for Casemiro this transfer window.

Enrique has claimed that Hojbjerg would be a perfect replacement for the Brazilian but added that he does not expect Tottenham to sell the midfielder.

The journalist said on Instagram Stories (20/08/22): “I really like him (Hojbjerg) as a player. 

“To be honest, it will be the perfect replacement for Real Madrid for Casemiro. But, I don’t think Tottenham are going to sell him. It will be a mistake in my opinion.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not think there is any chance of Spurs letting Hojbjerg leave so close to the end of the transfer window as there is arguably not enough time to find a suitable replacement.

Hojbjerg seems to divide opinion among Spurs fans on social media and I do believe that there is an element of truth to both sides of the debate. I do think that Dane sometimes gets unfairly criticised and that he possesses intangible qualities like leadership which cannot be measured.

However, I also think that he has some obvious shortcomings in possession despite what the stats say about his pass completion. While Hojbjerg is capable of making sublime passes on occasions, he does have a clear weakness when it comes to ball progression when compared to the likes of Bentancur.

I would not be surprised if Tottenham decide to cash in on Hojbjerg if they receive an offer of around £40m as Conte and Paratici will back themselves to find an upgrade for that kind of fee.

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