Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg stripped of Southampton captaincy, James Ward-Prowse made Saints captain

Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been replaced as Saints captain by James Ward-Prowse.

The Dane has continuously been linked to moves away from the club and he has fuelled those rumours by saying he wants to play Champions League football.

Hobjerg only has 12 months remaining on his contract at St. Mary’s.

Ward-Prowse will captain Saints for the remaining games of the 2019/20 Premier League season.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed the news at a press conference ahead of Saints’ return to football on Friday against Norwich City.

“No, he [Hojbjerg] will not be captain,” Hasenhuttl said. “We had an agreement, and [I] made clear that if you decide not to extend your contract, you will not be captain of this team.

“He knows that he is an important player for this club. I think we have found a good agreement.”

After signing for Southampton from Bayern Munich in 2016, Hojbjerg has made over 100 appearances for the Saints.