The Times have reported that former Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen is close to a return to the Premier League, and The Athletic are claiming that Brentford are in talks with him.
Eriksen was let go by his former club Inter Milan. Serie A doesn’t permit players to play who have an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator).
The attacking midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest last summer in the Euros for Denmark against Finland. Fortunately, the Danish international’s life was saved with shocks from a defibrillator.
The Premier League along with other leagues in Europe do allow players to play in the league with an ICD.
That’s why Brentford are making a move, and Newcastle may join them. The Times claim that Newcastle and Leicester are also interested in Eriksen.
A source of creativity and another set piece taker would benefit Newcastle
From his time with Spurs, Eriksen was one of the standout players when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge. The Dane was able to accumulate plenty of assists in a number of ways, whether it be from his on the ball play or from set-pieces.
The Magpies have one new set-piece taker in Kieran Trippier who arrived from Atletico Madrid earlier this January. Bringing in Eriksen would provide Newcastle with another option and a new outlet of creativity. Second signing Chris Wood and injured Callum Wilson would surely love another creative spark in the side.
There is the risk of a lack of game time with Eriksen. He hasn’t been able to play since his cardiac arrest. Having said that, he could well make an impact initially off the bench, providing moments of magic late on when Newcastle are in need of it.
Additionally, a transfer fee wouldn’t be required as he is now a free agent. The only obstacle would be agreeing on the wage bill, but Newcastle can compete with any side in the league on that front.
Brentford won promotion to the Premier League only at the end of last season. Newcastle are a much bigger club than Brentford and are more established in the Premier League. And PIF can certainly offer a lot more in salary than Brentford.
If Eriksen, 29, is willing to move to the Bees, then he will certainly be open to a transfer to Newcastle.
Clubs other than Brentford will certainly be looking to acquire the services of Eriksen. But that shouldn’t put Newcastle off – they have the financial strength to compete with any side. Survival is essential for the Magpies and Eriksen could be the one to supply those moments of quality needed.
A move back to England’s top-flight appears likely for Eriksen. Hopefully, Newcastle make an attempt to bring him in as one of the first few signings of the new era.