I know what you’re thinking – that headline sounds spurious, it shouldn’t be taken seriously and I’m wasting time giving transfer rumours respect.
I was previously skeptical at the notion of Christian Eriksen returning to Tottenham less than a year after his departure, but there is compelling evidence to support this story.
Why would Eriksen leave Inter so soon?
The 28-year-old joined Inter Milan in January and has gone on to make 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals with three assists, but he’s been short of form and playing time in his second season.
Eriksen has featured in seven of Inter’s nine games this campaign, but he’s only amassed 301/630 minutes of playing time and is yet to score a goal or make an assist. The Danish international has started four games in 2020/21 and been substituted off every time.
He also has stiff competition in midfield – Radja Nainggolan, Nicolo Barella, Stefano Sensi, Matias Vecino, Roberto Gagliardini, Arturo Vidal – so Eriksen is far from indispensable under Antonio Conte.
In October, the 28-year-old was public in his frustration over the lack of football, saying: “I don’t want to sit on the bench for the whole season. I hope this isn’t the coach’s or the club’s intention.”
It was reported the same month that Inter tried to loan Eriksen out to Chelsea before the summer transfer window shut, but the Blues rejected the deal.
So if Eriksen isn’t happy at Inter and the club are willing to let him leave, why can’t he return to Tottenham?
How could we sign him for free?
This element of the story might turn off supporters. Calciomercato believe we could sign Eriksen back for free by giving Inter Danny Rose and Dele Alli. Before you roll your eyes, let me make my case.
The Nerazzurri have Aleksandar Kolarov and Ashley Young at left-back, two players aged 34 and 35 respectively, so Rose is more than good enough to challenge the pair. He’s surplus to requirements at Tottenham and is open to a move abroad, so he’d surely jump at the chance to join Inter.
As for Alli, Jose Mourinho clearly doesn’t want him here and may consider a sale if there’s interest. Inter aren’t short of options in the engine room but may need a creative player if Eriksen leaves, so it’s not impossible.
The Serie A giants aren’t averse to signing Premier League players and Rose & Alli would add something to the squad, so they might be interested.
In other news, Tottenham are without six players ahead of Thursday night’s Ludogorets clash