Extraordinary news has come out that Leeds United may be in the running for Danish maestro Christian Eriksen, formerly of Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Brentford.
That’s via Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, speaking on The Football Terrace on Wednesday.
Tottenham seem to have never really been in the running in truth, despite a move back to White Hart Lane seeming to have been written in the stars just a couple of weeks ago. Jacobs said it was ‘unlikely’ that he would return to the Lilywhites as no offer has been made, but added that an offer from the North London club may be successful as there would be a ”desire and sentiment to return” from the player.
Eriksen scores the third goal against Real Madrid’s Kiko Casilla Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
It seems that the player would still prefer to stay in London, giving Brentford ”a little bit of hope” for a new deal being agreed, alongside the special relationship with manager Thomas Frank.
Jacobs went on to mention three newer clubs in the running: Leicester City, who considered a move in January, Leeds United and Newcastle United.
While Manchester United are the ”most advanced” in negotiations, The Guardian reported that he had turned down a deal just a few days ago, the news of which was excitedly relayed by José Enrique, formerly of Manchester United, on Twitter.
❌ Christian Eriksen has rejected Manchester United's offer and prefers to either stay with Brentford or join Tottenham. | Jamie Jackson, Guardian
😳Another player rejects a move to Man United this summer…
Ata legooooooooooo 😂👋 pic.twitter.com/mMqh50etEQ— José enrique (@Jesanchez3) June 21, 2022
Christian Eriksen has scored 52 goals and provided 71 Premier League assists, and is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in Premier League history. He was also a key member of Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final and Inter Milan’s Serie A title in 2019/20.
Eriksen celebrates scoring against European champions Real Madrid Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Reasons to believe this rumour
- Marsch’s public wish for experience in the squad would be granted by this deal, with Eriksen having played 237 Premier League games, 91 games in European competition, and over 500 senior appearances overall.
- Leeds’ lack of depth in the midfield makes another central midfielder an important deal to pursue. Eriksen can play in a midfield two, as he did for Inter Milan; in attacking midfield, as he did at Spurs and Brentford and does for Denmark; and on either wing: he has played over 100 games in left or right midfield, such as in the 2016/17 season for Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham, where he played arguably the best football of his career.
- Eriksen is a threat from set-pieces, which is a big plus for any side.
Eriksen scores a free kick against city-rivals AC Milan REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Reasons to NOT believe this rumour
- No other reputable sources have mentioned Leeds being interested in the Dane, and even Jacobs only mentioned the club’s name in passing.
- Eriksen may feel that the owes Brentford for their support in reviving his career, Tottenham Hotspur would be his first choice and Manchester United would be able to offer him far more money than Leeds. There are options that make far more sense, so the club may feel that there is no point in trying to sign him.
- Brenden Aaronson has already been signed as an attacking midfielder and Rodrigo will also be an option: Eriksen may not be at the top of the club’s list of priorities.
Unfortunately, it seems incredibly unlikely that Christian Eriksen will be a Leeds United player next season. However, the signing would be a major coup and a statement of intent from the club.