The Juventus pursuit of Olympique de Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is facing reservations from coach Luciano Spalletti, who is not fully convinced of the player’s profile, Foot Sur 7 reported.
This hesitation opens the door for Fiorentina to advance in the transfer chase, as the January 2027 mercato approaches.
The Italian club, which sought Hojbjerg during the summer transfer window, is now questioning whether a move for the 31-year-old Dane is the right strategic decision. While Turin aims to bolster its midfield, Spalletti’s reservations are a significant obstacle to any deal. The Juventus manager is “not convinced at 100%” by the prospect of signing Hojbjerg, a sentiment that carries considerable weight in the club’s transfer deliberations.
The uncertainty surrounding the Juventus interest comes despite the fact that no official withdrawal from the negotiations has been announced. The potential transfer remains an open, albeit complicated, dossier. This indecision from a major suitor creates a favorable situation for Fiorentina, which has also been monitoring the situation and sees an opportunity to move forward in its own pursuit of the player.
Fiorentina Seizes Opening in Hojbjerg Saga
The Juventus hesitation has directly benefited Fiorentina, which is also keen on acquiring Hojbjerg. The Florentine club now perceives a greater chance to make progress in discussions for the midfielder. However, Fiorentina is well aware that Marseille will not be forced to sell a player who remains under contract, meaning a strong financial offer will likely be necessary to persuade the French club to negotiate.
OM is seeking to recoup the €13.5 million it spent to sign Hojbjerg permanently in the summer of 2025. The club hopes to secure a fee exceeding that initial investment, with the player’s current market value estimated to be around €15 million.
For Fiorentina, this means any proposal must not only meet or exceed OM’s valuation but also be substantial enough to overcome the club’s reluctance to part with a key squad member. A sporting appeal alone is unlikely to be sufficient to unlock the negotiations.
Marseille’s Goal: Profit on a Prized Asset
The OM management is keen to realize a profit on its investment in Hojbjerg, a desire that was not fulfilled during the previous transfer window.
The club had reportedly reached an agreement with Newcastle United for a transfer estimated at approximately €15 million, only for the deal to collapse when the player rejected the move to St. James’ Park. The failure of that summer transfer left Marseille without the financial boost it had anticipated.
Since that episode, Hojbjerg has remained an integral part of OM’s season. The Danish midfielder has started eight of the club’s ten Ligue 1 matches and has made eleven appearances across all competitions. While his on-pitch performance has occasionally been the subject of debate, his experience, work rate in defensive midfield, and familiarity with both the Premier League and Ligue 1 make him an attractive asset for potential suitors.
The Midseason Dilemma for Marseille
Selling Hojbjerg in January would provide a large financial windfall, allowing Marseille to strengthen other areas of its squad. However, losing a seasoned midfielder midway through a season poses a substantial sporting risk. Such a departure would force the club to hastily find a credible replacement to maintain the balance of its midfield—a challenge that could disrupt the team’s rhythm and performance.
The situation is further complicated by Hojbjerg’s contract, which runs until June 2028. This extended deal gives the player and Marseille more power in any transfer talks. OM is under no immediate pressure to sell, affording it a degree of flexibility in negotiations. However, the emergence of new interested parties, like Fiorentina, could alter the dynamic and potentially force Marseille to reconsider its stance if a compelling offer materializes.
The Player’s Role Remains Central
Ultimately, Hojbjerg’s own wishes will play a decisive role in any transfer. His rejection of Newcastle last summer demonstrated that a lucrative offer for the club does not guarantee a player’s acceptance. At 31, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is likely to prioritize a project that aligns with his personal ambitions over a move motivated solely by financial gain.
Should Spalletti’s doubts persist at Juventus, the club may be forced to shift its focus to other midfield targets. Such a development would strengthen Fiorentina’s position in the race for Hojbjerg’s signature.
Marseille must now secure a profitable transfer without compromising its competitive standing in the season’s second half. The outcome of this complex situation remains uncertain, but the growing hesitation from Turin has already begun to reshape the trajectory of the transfer saga.
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