Newcastle United miss out on Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

Newcastle United have reportedly failed to sign Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg during the current summer transfer window.

Newcastle’s new head coach Matthias Jaissle is seeking an experienced central midfielder, particularly after Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal on Saturday.

The club have already signed Sean Steer from Ajax and Alagie Bamba from Monaco, but neither player is considered to have enough experience to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

Højbjerg had been viewed as a suitable candidate for the role because of his previous experience in English football with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. However, transfer-market expert Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal will not now go ahead.

Newcastle were prepared to meet Marseille’s financial demands, with reports suggesting the English club were willing to pay €15m (£12.81m) for the Denmark international.

Despite that willingness, Højbjerg has rejected the opportunity to move to St James’ Park. It remains unclear whether the 31-year-old specifically turned down Newcastle or whether he would prefer to continue his career with Marseille.

Højbjerg has spent two seasons with the French club. During that time, he has contributed to 17 goals in 75 appearances, scoring eight and providing nine assists.

Newcastle’s reported readiness to pay such a fee for a 31-year-old midfielder underlines the club’s need for greater experience in the centre of the pitch.

Louis Miley is also part of the midfield group alongside Steer and Bamba, and is regarded as a promising young talent. However, all three players are yet to reach the age of 21.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the futures of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey, leaving Newcastle with further questions to resolve in midfield.

The club are therefore expected to turn their attention to another player with significant experience of the Premier League or European competitions. Newcastle want someone capable of taking on a leadership role both inside the dressing room and on the pitch.

The search comes as Jaissle looks to reshape his squad following Guimaraes’ departure to Arsenal. While Newcastle have added younger players this summer, the club’s interest in Højbjerg showed their desire to balance that recruitment with an established midfielder who can provide experience in a demanding position.

For now, though, the former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur player will not be moving to Newcastle, with Marseille’s financial expectations having been met but the transfer still unable to proceed.