Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Southampton confirm £12million signing of Bayern Munich ace on five-year deal
Saints secure central midfielder's long-term future after poaching him from Bundesliga giants
SOUTHAMPTON have signed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Bayern Munich on a five-year deal.
The Denmark international, 20, is the club's second signing after Nathan Redmond moved to St Mary's from Norwich.
Hojbjerg, who is believed to have cost £12million, said: “I’m very pleased. It’s a big opportunity for me. I look forward to giving what I have and what I can to the club. They have put trust in me and I want to show them that they are not wrong.
“When I heard that Southampton came in for me I said to my people that this is what I want to do because I can see myself at Southampton, as it’s the way I like to think, the way I like to play and it fits me really well.
“I hope I can come here also and be a part of the Southampton family and give what I have to fight for the club and fight for my teammates.”
Hojbjerg plays predominately as a defensive midfielder, but can be influential further up the pitch.
Southampton have been tracking the youngster for years now and Saints Executive Director of Football Les Reed reckons Hojbjerg will be an important addition ahead of next season's packed Europa League campaign.
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Reed said: “Pierre is an exciting young talent, who we are delighted to welcome to Southampton Football Club.
“At the age of just 20, he is already an established international player with Denmark and has gained significant and valuable experience while at Bayern Munich and in the Bundesliga.
“Pierre boasts an impressive pedigree, as well as a great deal of potential, and it is testament to our reputation that he has chosen Southampton ahead of other suitors as the next step in his career.
“We believe the club will be an ideal place for Pierre to continue his progression and that he will be an excellent addition to our squad.
“We now have the perfect blend of positional strength, experience and dynamic youth in our midfield slots. There will be healthy competition, but also the required depth and robustness for our challenge in the Europa League.
“I believe as a group we probably have a choice from the best pool of midfield options in the Premier League.”
Hojbjerg made his Bayern debut in April 2013, aged 17, and became the youngest player to ever appear for the club in the Bundesliga.
He has gone on to make 17 international caps and spent last season on loan at Schalke.