Christian Eriksen’s future at Tottenham Hotspur was pushed back into the headlines after Jose Mourinho took over at the club.
Pretty much immediately the Danish media decided the manager’s arrival made an Eriksen exit likelier, although they appear to be softening on that view now.
There were also claims around Europe about a potential transfer, with clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter Milan routinely linked. Despite that, as is always the case with Eriksen transfer rumours, it hasn’t felt like there’s anything concrete.
Now Spanish newspaper AS has come up with a list of five reasons the player could leave Tottenham, whilst also claiming interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Firstly, it’s claimed Tottenham’s project has ‘touched the ceiling’ and that players including Eriksen have run out of patience whilst waiting for titles. It’s not too hard to argue against that stance. There’s lots of different opinions on Spurs appointing Mourinho, but there can be no doubt it shows ambition from the club to win trophies.
The second reason AS present is the Madrid, Bayern and Juve interest. It’s claimed Zinedine Zidane has made it clear to those in charge at the Bernabeu that he wants Eriksen in his team next season, and it’s claimed efforts were made in the summer. That would contradict repeat reports from Spain that Zidane hasn’t been keen at all on the player, and it was Florentino Perez seeing him as a market opportunity.
Indeed, when Zidane returned to Real Madrid, AS themselves reported it ‘almost ruled out’ a move for Eriksen. He may have changed his mind, but they can’t have it both ways.
Bayern Munich and Juventus have contacted the player’s agent, according to the Spanish newspaper, however, the media closest to those two clubs hasn’t been strongly pushing a move.
Thirdly, it’s claimed that being 27 years of age, Eriksen now ‘wants to make the leap’. He feels it’s the ‘perfect time’ and that staying for longer will count against him as the years go by. That point is likely to be spot on, even Tottenham fans wouldn’t argue that he’d knock-back Barca or Madrid if they turned seriously.
Whether they do or not is the question.
AS’ fourth reason is that the Denmark international’s relationship with Tottenham has ‘eroded’. It’s even claimed that he’s convinced to wait until the summer to move, so Spurs lose out on a transfer fee. That’s a level of pettiness we don’t think Eriksen is at, and, again it would all depends on who came in for him January.
The fifth point feels like a stretch too far from AS. They state the player had fallen out with Mauricio Pochettino, and then add: ‘the possibility was opened that Mourinho could redirect the situation, but it seems that the only point that could change would be the date of his departure, enduring until the end of the season.’
That somewhat contradicts their fourth point, but never mind.
Endless speculation can be made on what’s going on in Eriksen’s head, yet the biggest influence on his future is likely to come from outside. If a truly giant club makes a move for him, or even informs his agent they’ll wait for a free transfer, then he’s likely to depart. Should that not happen, a renewal becomes likelier.
