RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesPierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joelinton | Credit: SmartFrame Images | News Images
Sometimes, experience is just as valuable as youth — and Newcastle United could be about to find that out.
After weeks of uncertainty, ins and outs, rumours and endless speculation, things are finally beginning to settle down at Newcastle United.
There are fresh faces through the door, players returning from the World Cup, and a new manager and coaching staff putting the squad through its paces in La Manga, Spain.
From what I have seen of the early training sessions, the intensity is certainly there. Throw in temperatures of 30-plus degrees and the lads are going to know they have been working hard this week!
One thing that particularly pleased me was the apparent passion on show. Both the players and coaching staff looked fully engaged, and there seemed to be a real intensity about the sessions.
Of course, training is one thing — now we need to see that same attitude and commitment transferred onto the pitch when it really matters.
And then there is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
Reports linking the 31-year-old with a move to Newcastle have raised more than a few eyebrows, with a fee of around £10m-£15m being bandied about.
Personally, I don’t see what all the fuss is about.
In fact, I think it could be a very sensible piece of business.
Højbjerg is a seasoned Premier League player with considerable experience, and at around £10m-£15m, he certainly wouldn’t break the bank. More importantly, he could bring something Newcastle United will need in abundance — experience.
With several young players coming into the squad, having an experienced head in the dressing room could prove invaluable. Højbjerg knows the Premier League, understands the demands of playing at the highest level and, importantly, has been there before.
Sometimes the value of a player cannot simply be measured by goals, assists or statistics.
It can be measured by what happens around him.
The influence he has on younger players. The standards he sets in training. The calmness he brings when things aren’t going according to plan. The voice in the dressing room when the pressure starts to build.
We have already seen how important that kind of experience can be.
Our noisy neighbours down the road benefited considerably from the addition of Granit Xhaka , while Newcastle themselves saw the impact Kieran Trippier made when he arrived at St James’ Park.
Trippier wasn’t just a footballer. He brought leadership, experience and standards — qualities that had a positive influence on those around him.
That kind of influence should never be underestimated.
So, while some supporters may question whether Højbjerg is the right age or whether the money would be better spent elsewhere, I would be more than happy to see him arrive on Tyneside.
Newcastle United have plenty of young talent. What they also need is the experience to help that talent flourish.
If Højbjerg can provide that, then perhaps this is one transfer we shouldn’t be scoffing at.
Instead, we should be asking whether another experienced head could be exactly what this new-look Newcastle United needs.
For me, the answer is yes.
Now, let’s see what happens.
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