Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg STRIPPED of Marseille captaincy after turning down Newcastle transfer ‘leaving owner fuming’

NEWCASTLE target Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been stripped of his Marseille captaincy after turning down a move back to England. The Magpies made a push to sign the 31-year-old midfielder last week after losing Bruno Guimaraes in a £75million move to Arsenal. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been stripped of his Marseille captaincy Credit: AFP The decision was allegedly made by the club’s owners Credit: Shutterstock Marseille wanted just £15m for Hojbjerg – but he rejected the move. Hojbjerg’s decision has reportedly left club owner Frank McCourt furious. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The Dane has even had his captaincy stripped. Hojbjerg was in the starting line-up for Marseille ahead of their friendly against Atletico Madrid on Friday – but the armband was instead handed to Timothy Weah. After the match – which ended 2-1 to Atletico – head coach Bruno Genesio was asked about the decision to change the captaincy but insisted it was not down to him. He explained: “It’s a decision that was dictated to me by the club’s management. “If I want to be completely frank it’s not a decision that I agree with.” Hojbjerg played the full 90 minutes against Atletico on Friday. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Play Dream Team this season! £100,000 in prize money up for grabs in 2026/27 Free to enter Play in Mini Leagues against your mates £60,000 jackpot for the overall winner £1,000 prize for winning Gameweek 1 PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW! With a move to Newcastle seemingly out of the question, AC Milan are also understood to be interested in the midfielder. Hojbjerg joined Marseille from Tottenham last summer when his loan was made permanent. The Denmark international has since made 75 appearances. Comment now