Jose Mourinho, a name synonymous with elite managerial tenures and tactical mastery, has turned his gaze back to the Premier League—but not in the way many expected. The former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham boss has reportedly singled out one of Spurs’ current stars as his top target for the summer transfer window. However, there’s a twist: to make the move happen, Mourinho is going to need a major favour from his former employers.
Mourinho, now managing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadisiyah, is keen on bringing a familiar face to the Middle East—a player he once admired during his time in North London. That player is none other than Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. According to sources close to the situation, Mourinho sees Højbjerg as a critical piece in building a competitive squad that can dominate the Saudi Pro League and compete regionally.
Højbjerg, who joined Spurs from Southampton in 2020, was one of Mourinho’s most trusted lieutenants during his time at the helm. The Danish midfielder quickly became a key figure in Tottenham’s midfield due to his combative style, positional intelligence, and leadership qualities. Mourinho admired his work ethic and consistency, making him an undisputed starter during that era.
Although Mourinho has since moved on, his admiration for Højbjerg has not waned. Sources suggest that the Portuguese manager has already spoken to his club’s board about the need to bring in a midfield general who understands his footballing philosophy. Højbjerg, who fits that mold perfectly, has thus emerged as his top transfer priority.
But securing Højbjerg will be far from straightforward. The player remains under contract with Tottenham until 2026 and is still seen as a valuable squad member despite limited starting opportunities under new manager Thomas Frank. While no longer an automatic starter due to the emergence of Pape Matar Sarr and the arrival of new signings like Mohammed Kudus, Højbjerg’s experience and versatility are still considered vital assets.
Tottenham, however, might be open to the move—if the price is right. Spurs are in the midst of a midfield reshuffle and could be tempted to cash in on the 28-year-old should Al-Qadisiyah submit a serious offer. The club’s focus has shifted toward younger, more dynamic profiles, and letting go of a senior player like Højbjerg could free up wages and space for further additions.
This is where Mourinho’s favour comes into play. Reports suggest that the Portuguese tactician has already reached out to senior Tottenham figures, urging them to facilitate the transfer by lowering their asking price. He is also said to be exploring the possibility of a loan deal with an obligation to buy, hoping it will smoothen negotiations between both parties.
The personal relationship Mourinho enjoys with the Tottenham hierarchy could play a decisive role in how this deal unfolds. Despite his abrupt exit from Spurs in 2021, Mourinho left the club on relatively amicable terms and has maintained respectful communication with chairman Daniel Levy. Whether Levy is willing to grant Mourinho this favour remains to be seen.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the fact that Højbjerg himself might be open to the move. Having fallen down the pecking order, the Danish international could be tempted by a new challenge—especially one that offers him guaranteed minutes and a leading role under a coach who has always backed him unconditionally.
Moreover, the financial incentives on offer in Saudi Arabia are difficult to ignore. Players across Europe have made the switch to the Pro League in recent years, lured by massive wages and the opportunity to be trailblazers in a fast-growing footballing market. For Højbjerg, a transfer now could represent both a fresh start and a lucrative final chapter in his playing career.
Meanwhile, Tottenham fans are divided over the potential exit. While many still appreciate Højbjerg’s contributions and professionalism, others believe the time is right to move on and embrace a younger core. The club’s midfield already boasts depth and dynamism, with players like Rodrigo Bentancur returning to full fitness and new signings integrating well.
From Mourinho’s perspective, bringing in a familiar player like Højbjerg is about more than just football—it’s about trust, leadership, and building a team culture aligned with his values. Having worked together before, there would be no learning curve, allowing Mourinho to plug him directly into the starting XI and expect immediate impact.
If the deal goes through, it could also signal a wider trend of Premier League veterans heading to Saudi Arabia not just for retirement, but for genuine career rejuvenation. Mourinho’s ambition to make Al-Qadisiyah a dominant force in the league is serious, and moves like this underline that intent.
However, everything now hinges on Tottenham’s response. Will Daniel Levy extend a helping hand to his former manager? Or will Spurs hold firm on their valuation and stall the deal? Either way, the coming weeks could define the futures of both Mourinho’s project in Saudi Arabia and Højbjerg’s career trajectory.
With the summer transfer window heating up, this developing saga between Jose Mourinho, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Tottenham Hotspur could end up being one of the most talked-about stories—not just for what it means on the pitch, but for the complex web of relationships and ambitions off it.
Stay tuned.