Olympique de France midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has emerged as a prime target for Italian clubs ahead of the winter transfer window, with Serie A giants Juventus leading the race alongside AC Milan and Fiorentina.
Marseille spent the summer transfer window blocked from making new additions while sporting director Grégory Lorenzi worked to trim a bloated squad. Lorenzi inherited a mandate to move on high-earning veterans, including Hojbjerg, whose planned transfer to Newcastle fell through at the final hour during the summer window. With Italian suitors circling once again, club officials are actively anticipating a January exit that would relieve financial pressure and fund new acquisitions.
Chief among the club’s targets is 24-year-old Argentine midfielder Santiago Hezze. Reports indicate that Marseille maintains a strong interest in the Olympiacos player, whom they scouted extensively during the summer alongside rival suitors Villarreal and Juventus. At the time, Hezze’s valuation stood at approximately 14 million euros, a figure tied to a contract running through 2028 with the Greek side. While other French clubs are monitoring the situation, Marseille retains a head start after opening dialogue months ago.
Marseille Needs to Sell Talent to Fund Recruitment
The success of Marseille’s winter recruitment strategy remains tied directly to offloading existing talent to satisfy club ownership, headed by Frank McCourt. The club currently sits 17th in the Ligue 1 standings at the mid-point of the campaign, heightening pressure on the sporting department to alter the squad’s composition when the market reopens in January.
Hojbjerg’s sustained popularity in Serie A provides the most viable financial lever for the club. Juventus is currently positioned as the most active suitor, though competition from Milan and the Fiorentina management remains fierce. Should a deal materialize for the Danish international, the resulting reduction in salary commitments will determine whether Marseille can meet the valuation demanded for Hezze by Olympiacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santiago Hezze’s current contract status?
The Argentine defensive midfielder is under contract with Greek club Olympiacos through June 2028.
Which clubs competed for Santiago Hezze during the summer?
Alongside Marseille, Spanish side Villarreal and Italian giants Juventus monitored the player’s availability.
What was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s previous transfer status?
The 31-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Premier League side Newcastle United during the summer window before the deal collapsed at the last minute.
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