Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are reportedly closing in on a major midfield move, with the club said to have reached an agreement in principle with Marseille for the signing of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
According to the latest report, the 31-year-old midfielder has agreed to make a return to the Premier League, with Newcastle prepared to pay around £12 million for his services. The transfer is now understood to be moving into the formalisation stage, with the remaining details expected to be completed before the deal can be officially announced.
The move would represent a significant return to English football for Højbjerg, who previously spent four seasons in the Premier League with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. During his time in England, the Denmark international established himself as one of the division’s most experienced defensive midfielders, making more than 250 Premier League appearances.
Højbjerg joined Marseille in 2024 following his departure from Tottenham. His initial move to France was structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, before the transfer became permanent in 2025. He has since become an important figure at the Stade Vélodrome, including taking on a leadership role within the squad.
His potential departure would therefore be a major decision for Marseille, particularly given his influence and experience. However, Newcastle’s reported interest has been driven by the need to add proven quality and leadership to a midfield that has undergone substantial changes.
The Magpies are entering a new era under head coach Matthias Jaissle, and the club’s midfield has been one of the major areas requiring attention during the summer window. Newcastle have already seen several senior players depart, creating a need for experienced replacements capable of adapting quickly to the demands of Premier League football.
Højbjerg’s profile fits that requirement perfectly. He is a disciplined midfielder who can operate in a deeper role, provide protection for the defence and help control the tempo of matches. More importantly, his previous Premier League experience means he would not need a lengthy adaptation period.
Reports have suggested that Newcastle initially viewed the Danish international as an affordable option in comparison with some of the younger midfielders available on the market. Previous reports had placed Marseille’s asking price in the £10 million to £15 million range, making a deal around £12 million financially attractive for Newcastle.
There is also an interesting financial twist involving Tottenham. The latest information indicates that Spurs could receive around £2 million from the proposed transfer because of a sell-on clause inserted when Højbjerg left north London for Marseille in 2024.
That would mean Tottenham could benefit financially from the midfielder’s return to England, despite having sold him to Marseille permanently after his successful loan spell.
For Newcastle, meanwhile, the proposed signing could be about much more than simply filling a position.
Højbjerg would bring Premier League experience, leadership, tactical discipline and an understanding of the physical demands of English football. At 31, he would also provide an experienced presence in a squad undergoing considerable change.
The reported £12 million fee makes the move particularly intriguing. Newcastle have been linked with several expensive midfield options this summer, but Højbjerg would represent a relatively low-cost route to securing an established player.
The deal is reportedly now being formalised, meaning Newcastle supporters could soon receive confirmation of another major addition to Jaissle’s squad.
If completed, Højbjerg’s return would see the Danish international trade Marseille for St James’ Park and begin a new Premier League chapter — this time wearing the black and white of Newcastle United.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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