Tottenham Sign Southampton Midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Tottenham have completed the signing of Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton in a deal reportedly worth £15 million.

The 25-year-old signed a five-year contract with the north London club, becoming Tottenham’s first signing since the end of the Premier League season.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton,” Tottenham said in a statement.

Hojbjerg had been stripped of the Southampton captaincy and featured less frequently after informing the club that he would not sign a new contract.

Everton were also reportedly interested in the midfielder, but his desire to work under Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho was believed to have played an important role in his decision.

“What was very important for me was I wanted to play at a club where I could see myself for many years, and Tottenham was the one,” Hojbjerg said.

“I am very proud, very happy and excited. I think there is a fantastic future ahead for the club and I wanted so much to be a part of that.”

The Denmark international stressed the importance of leadership and collective responsibility if Tottenham were to compete for major honours.

“If you want to achieve the big things, you need 11 leaders on the pitch,” he said.

Hojbjerg joined Southampton from Bayern Munich in 2016 and established himself as a regular in the Premier League before completing his move to Spurs.

In a separate deal, Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters joined Southampton permanently for a reported £12 million after spending the second half of the season on loan at St Mary’s.

The 23-year-old Tottenham academy graduate signed a five-year contract with Southampton after impressing during his temporary spell at the club.