Southampton: Report reveals what could make Hojbjerg sign new deal

A report has stated that Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will base his contract decision on whether he sees the club making upward progress come the end of the season.

According to the Daily Echo, the Danish international midfielder will hold off committing to a new deal until he knows if positive strides are being made towards a brighter future.

Hojbjerg was linked with both Everton and Spurs during the winter transfer window and any clubs that are tracking him will know that he coming up to the last year of his current contract at St Mary’s.

Saints will surely be very keen to keep hold of him if they can though.

A look at another part of the Daily Echo’s report shows his importance to the club and the understanding of what is needed to return to former glories.

It states that Hojbjerg was key in the decision to bring Matt Crocker back to the South Coast to add his expertise back into the Staplewood academy – something that will hopefully bring a healthy production of youth talent once again.

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• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Contrary to recent reports from elsewhere in the media, Hojbjerg is yet to negotiate a new deal and therefore has not turned new terms down yet.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been consistent with his views that the club should get further towards the 40-point mark in Premier League table before any contract talks can commence.

Shane Long is out of contract this summer, but he is expected to sign a new deal to stay at the club after proving his worth this season.

There are certainly positive signs for Saints when it comes to starting negotiations with Hojbjerg.

Not many players take time to develop a connection to what a football club stands for, or an understanding of what is needed for it to return to higher league finishes.

It is vital now that Saints end the season in strong fashion and secure a respectable finish, and that they have summer plans drawn up well in advance to try and convince Hojbjerg to stick around for a bit longer.

Having seen so many leaders and important figures leave the club since returning to the top-flight, it seems pretty imperative that they try and keep him.