It is no secret that Newcastle United have had a tough time convincing players to stay at St James’ Park. Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Eddie Howe have all left.
On the other hand, the Magpies’ issues have been just as worrying when it comes to them trying to convince players to join the club. Victor Munoz ended up at Liverpool. Johan Manzambi chose Aston Villa even after Newcastle United had agreed a deal with SC Freiburg.
Now, another name has been added to that list. It is that of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Recently, it has emerged that the veteran midfielder and Marseille captain has turned down a move to Newcastle United. It has not gone down well with the French club’s owner though.
According to Sebastien Denis, there is monumental anger from Frank McCourt after Hojbjerg’s about-face and his refusal to join Newcastle United.
Hojbjerg’s sudden U-turn caught everybody by surprise
Earlier reports in the media had suggested that not only had Hojbjerg opened the door to a return to the Premier League, but he was also keen to do so. As a result, the sudden U-turn came as a surprise, not just to Newcastle United fans, but seemingly to Marseille as well.
Now, it remains to be seen what Newcastle United end up doing. It is believed that they have another 31-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder on their radar in the form of Joao Palhinha.
Just like Hojbjerg, Palhinha is proven in the Premier League as well. In fact, he played the best football of his career at Fulham, which earned him a move to Bayern Munich. Unfortunately for the midfielder, it has not worked out for him in Bavaria.
The door to a Premier League return could still be open though. Will Newcastle United make a serious push to sign him? Or will this end up as another transfer rumour that heads nowhere of note? Time shall tell.
Other alternative options for Newcastle United
It is also noteworthy that Palhinha is not the only other experienced midfielder on their radar. Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus has been suggested as another potential candidate by outlets in Italy.
Koopmeiners is 28 years of age and has pretty much his entire prime ahead of him, at least on paper. So, the Dutch international does have that advantage over someone like Palhinha. But then again, he does not have the Premier League experience.
Obviously, it is also very possible that Newcastle United could go for a younger option. The most high-profile name they have been linked with is Felix Nmecha.
But Borussia Dortmund might not even entertain the idea unless an offer in the region of €120 million is made. So, signing Nmecha might not be a realistic option for Newcastle United at this time.
