Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has refused to throw in the towel in the quest to revive his dwindling career in North London.
The 28-year-old is one of several players who were expected to depart the club during the summer transfer window in pursuit of a fresh challenge.
Despite being deemed surplus to requirement, Hojbjerg failed to secure a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite initial interest from Atletico Madrid.
There were also links to Manchester United, but the Red Devils opted to complete the signing of long-term target Sofyan Amrabat instead
Fulham emerged as a possible destination on deadline day, but Hojbjerg was opposed to the prospect of moving across the capital to West London.
Tottenham were prepared to launch a late move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, but Hojbjerg’s reluctance to join Fulham made the prospect of a deal impossible.
Hojbjerg will remain a part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad at least until the January transfer window when he could be marketed to prospective suitors again.
In the mean time, the Denmark international is ready to fight for his place in the starting line-up despite falling below Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr in the pecking order.
“In the end, the most important thing, and I have made this very clear to the coach and the club, is that I have to show my best side and deserve what I get from playing time,” Hojbjerg said (via the Evening Standard).
“Right now I am not among the starting line-up. It is what it is. I try to show my best side if the coach points to me.”
Hojbjerg was a key player for Spurs during the Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte era but has struggled to force his way into Postecoglou’s plans, with the Australian tactician favouring Bissouma and Sarr.
It is likely to remain the same when club football resumes action, with Tottenham poised to host newly promoted Sheffield United in North London.
