Everton fans were left disappointed after Denmark international midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg joined Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, and manager Carlo Ancelotti now has to look elsewhere for a central midfielder with an energetic presence who is as capable on the ball as off it.
The Toffees were interested in bringing him to Goodison Park from Southampton during the January transfer window, and director of football Marcel Brands was frustrated that the club’s interest in him leaked out early as it gave Spurs leverage.
According to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare, Everton offered Hojbjerg higher wages than Tottenham, but the 25-year-old always wanted to join the North London club and money wasn’t going to be a factor.