Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Marseille and Newcastle United
Friday
Marseille have stripped Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of the captaincy after he rejected a £15m transfer to Newcastle despite the clubs reaching an agreement. Head coach Bruno Genesio confirmed the disciplinary decision came from management and openly said he disagreed with it.
Hojbjerg’s refusal blocked a sale Marseille wanted as part of efforts to reduce their wage bill and improve finances. Timothy Weah wore the armband in the next friendly, while reports say owner Frank McCourt remains angered by the collapsed Newcastle move.