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Published Aug 7, 2026, 7:57 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for several of the company's biggest football publications, including Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch, and breaking down the wider implications of football's biggest talking points.
Through years of covering Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on a weekly basis, Emilio has developed an extensive understanding of North London's biggest clubs, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. He has cultivated trusted contacts within the football industry that help inform his reporting and analysis.
Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Newcastle arguably cannot replace Bruno Guimarães, but sporting director Ross Wilson will try his best as he drives a move for an interesting new target.
Guimarães is leaving for Arsenal in a deal worth £75 million after becoming Newcastle’s captain, making 195 appearances and helping end the club’s long trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup.
REUTERS/Scott HeppellHis exit follows the departures of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Eddie Howe during a brutal summer of change at St James’ Park.
New head coach Matthias Jaissle therefore needs players who can settle the group quickly, and Marseille's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg potentially fits the bill.
|
League record |
2025/26 season |
Ligue 1 |
32 appearances and 30 starts |
|
Minutes |
2025/26 season |
Ligue 1 |
2,715 minutes |
|
Attacking return |
2025/26 season |
Ligue 1 |
Four goals and five assists |
|
Discipline |
2025/26 season |
Ligue 1 |
Four yellow cards and no red cards |
|
Goal against Paris FC |
23 August 2025 |
Ligue 1 |
Scored in the 81st minute as Marseille won 5-2 |
|
Goal-line clearance against Newcastle |
25 November 2025 |
Champions League |
Cleared Malick Thiaw’s early header off the line before Marseille completed a 2-1 victory |
|
Goal and assist against Rennes |
17 May 2026 |
Ligue 1 |
Scored after two minutes and later assisted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a 3-1 win |
The Denmark captain, who was also once on the books at Bayern Munich, turned 31 this week and has already spent eight seasons in English football with Southampton and Tottenham.
He made 254 Premier League appearances across those two clubs and played 184 times for Spurs in all competitions.
During his first Tottenham campaign, Højbjerg completed every minute of the Premier League season. Only Rodri completed more passes that year, showing why José Mourinho trusted him to organise possession and protect the defence.
Højbjerg reads danger, keeps the ball moving and gives more adventurous midfielders a stable platform. He can operate as a number six, a number eight or alongside another holding player.
That versatility remained clear in France last season.
When Marseille beat the Magpies 2-1 in the Champions League last November, Højbjerg cleared Malick Thiaw’s header off the line during a crucial spell of the game.
He would not be a direct replacement for Guimarães.
The Brazilian offers greater invention around the penalty area, but Højbjerg would instead bring discipline, experience and authority to a midfield losing several major personalities.
Pierre Hojbjerg.That possibility has now moved onto Newcastle’s recruitment agenda.
Ross Wilson driving Newcastle move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that Højbjerg is on the club’s midfield shortlist.
Aouna says sporting director Ross Wilson is driving the move and wants an experienced option after Guimarães’ departure.
Højbjerg only joined the French club permanently last year and is tied down till 2028, meaning Marseille can demand a fairly significant fee.
Marseille’s signed him from Tottenham for around £16 million, while his age limits his long-term resale value, but for Wilson, the decision comes down to Newcastle’s immediate needs.
Højbjerg would not represent the future of Jaissle’s midfield, but he could provide the experience required to guide it through a difficult transition.
After losing their manager, captain and two other leading players, that quality may prove every bit as important as potential.
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French (CA) ·