Postecoglou under fire as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg shines at Marseille
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s remarkable transformation at Marseille has sparked Juventus interest, with the French club now demanding up to €60 million for a player Tottenham sold for just £17 million six months ago, exposing serious questions about Ange Postecoglou’s player management during his ill-fated spell at Spurs.
The Danish midfielder joined Marseille initially on loan in July 2024 before completing a permanent £17 million transfer in May 2025. His revival under Roberto De Zerbi has been spectacular, becoming a central figure in a side currently challenging PSG for the Ligue 1 title.
As per Tottenham News, Juventus are making moves to secure Hojbjerg as their new central playmaker, with the 30-year-old climbing to the top of the Bianconeri’s transfer agenda.
Marseille has informed Juventus they would need to pay €60 million should they genuinely wish to secure the midfielder, serving as a strong signal that the club have no real intention of sanctioning his departure.
The Dane has been in stellar form in the French league this season. The contrast with his Tottenham form is stark. Postecoglou’s high-intensity pressing system and demand for progressive carrying left Hojbjerg marginalized, eventually pushing him down the pecking order behind Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr.
If Marseille achieves their asking price, they’ll have tripled their investment in less than a year. For Tottenham, the potential €60 million valuation represents a staggering £35 million+ loss in market value directly attributable to Postecoglou’s inability to utilize Hojbjerg effectively.
The Australian manager’s preference for technical ball-progressors over defensive anchors meant Hojbjerg’s qualities were deemed surplus to requirements. That assessment now looks catastrophically misjudged given his performances in France.
De Zerbi has made Hojbjerg one of Marseille’s team captains within months of his arrival, recognizing leadership qualities that Postecoglou apparently couldn’t see or didn’t value. The Dane’s ability to control tempo and provide defensive cover has been fundamental to Marseille’s title challenge.
Postecoglou’s Turbulent Career Trajectory
The Hojbjerg situation adds to a growing list of questionable decisions during Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham. His sacking by Nottingham Forest after a disastrous start has left his reputation significantly damaged, with the Australian now reportedly second-favorite for the Fulham job following speculation around Marco Silva’s future.
While Marseille celebrate securing a midfielder now worth potentially €60 million, Tottenham are left reflecting on how poor player management under Postecoglou cost them tens of millions in transfer value. That financial impact, combined with his subsequent failure at Forest, vindicates the decision to part ways.