Anxious to fill the major departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, the Magpies saw in Pierre-Emile Højbjerg the ideal experience profile, immediately operational for the intense games of the Premier League. The sporting project was attractive to say the least for the Danish international community, and the operation came at the right time for the Marseille club, which could thus save a significant salary while recovering a nice envelope. Negotiations between the two managements had also accelerated until reaching the goal: Marseille and the English club were approaching a final agreement for a transfer valued at 15 million euros, just a few hours ago.
However, while the operation seemed on track and beneficial for all parties, an incredible turnaround came to sweep everything away. Despite the determination of Newcastle, who said they were ready to comply with all of OM’s financial requirements, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg made a spectacular about-face. During the discussions that began in recent hours, the player made the categorical decision to refuse the English proposal. This sudden decision was absolutely not to the taste of the Marseille owner, Frank McCourt. The American businessman knows better than anyone the importance of such a sale in this crucial period for the financial sustainability of the Olympian club. Behind the scenes, the Bostonian was deeply annoyed by the turn of events.
“ Frank McCourt does not hide his deep dissatisfaction with certain attitudes which seem not to understand the situation in which the club finds itself today »
It must be said that the club’s financial situation remains precarious, despite colossal efforts made recently. In order to ensure the viability of OM, McCourt had to inject no less than 120 million euros in 2026. In view of these heavy sacrifices, the attitude of certain members of the workforce is going badly. “Frank McCourt does not hide his deep dissatisfaction with certain attitudes which seem not to understand the situation in which the club finds itself todaya source close to the owner of OM told us, before supporting the shareholder’s thinking. He reiterated on several occasions, notably during the press conference at the beginning of April, the urgency of making the necessary savings and respecting the financial commitments that have been made. This is not an option. »
The American’s entourage is also very lucid about the risks incurred if this major downsizing is not carried out: “If the club does not make the necessary decisions, the consequences could be extremely serious, to the point of jeopardizing its participation in European competitions, or even its rank in Ligue 1. For Frank McCourt, everyone must now take their responsibilities and place the future of OM above their individual interests. » The message from management is therefore unequivocal: the institution takes precedence over individual cases. By donating 120 million euros to the pot this year, Frank McCourt worked to protect OM and ensure its long-term future. He now expects, firmly and definitively, that all those involved in the club do the same in the best interests of the Marseille club.
