cant open link in new tab, new tab opens with homepage instead

Safari > Preferences > Tabs

Make sure command-click opens in a new tab is enabled.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH21450?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

If this is not helpful, delete com.apple.Safari.plist file and test.

Empty the Trash.

Quit all applications.

Hold the option key down and click the "Go" menu in the Finder menu bar.

Select "Library" from the drop down.

Library > Preferences > com.apple.Safari.plist

Right click on it and select "Move it to Trash".

Restart and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

If this doesn’t help, “Put Back” the com.apple.Safari.plist

Right click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Open”.

Right click on the com.apple.Safari.plist and select “Put Back”.

Select ”Replace” from the dialog when it appears.