Newcastle United are reportedly set to kickstart talks with Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen over a potential summer move to the North-East outfit.
In an exclusive for NUFCBlog.co.uk, FootballTransfers journalist Jacque Talbot has offered an update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of free agent Christian Eriksen. Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe appreciates the 30-year-old’s vast club and international experience and is set to hold face-to-face meetings with Eriksen next week in an attempt to lure the Dane to St James’ Park.
This comes after the same reporter confirmed that Eriksen’s agents spoke with Newcastle on Monday, with the Danish international attracting plenty of interest from other clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur following his impressive spell at Brentford.
While Newcastle continue to be linked with €100 million blockbuster moves for Darwin Nunez and Victor Osimhen, local reports suggest the transfer kitty at Eddie Howe’s disposal is much smaller than touted by Italian or Spanish outlets. And with a relatively tight budget, the club might have to look towards the free agency market to find quality players to bolster their squad even further.
That brings us to reports stating Newcastle United are hoping to sign Christian Eriksen as one of their marquee signings in the summer transfer window. His short-term deal with Brentford runs out at the end of this month, so he can leave the Bees on a Bosman move.
Eriksen has shown that he can still play consistently at the top level, despite suffering a heart scare at Euro 2020 when he collapsed on the pitch while playing for Denmark. The 30-year-old has had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator fitted as a result, and his return to the pitch was one of the feel-good stories in the Premier League last season.
The attacking midfielder enjoyed a fantastic stint at Brentford, with five-goal contributions in 11 Premier League games, playing a pivotal role in helping them avoid relegation during their first campaign in the top flight. It is no surprise he has garnered interest from other clubs in the top flight, with Newcastle United being one among many.
Someone like Eriksen could be a solid signing for the Magpies. He created more chances per game than any of his teammates last term and boasts more key passes per game than any player in the Newcastle squad (2.7). He has a lot to offer off-the-pitch as well in terms of leadership skills and a winning mindset, having represented Champions League level clubs like Tottenham, Ajax, and Inter Milan in his career.
Newcastle’s newfound riches mean they are likely to be able to offer Eriksen better wages. However, the big question is whether they will be able to convince the Dane to switch to the Tyneside. He is more likely to give preference to remaining in London by either extending his deal at Brentford or finding the allure of playing Champions League football for Tottenham hard to refuse.
Still, one cannot rule out the possibility and it remains to be seen whether the Magpies will be able to win the race for Eriksen’s signature amid stiff competition.
