276 games. 66 goals. Christian Eriksen has been a wonderful signing for us, but no man is bigger than one club. The likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale have all gone over to the Santiago Bernabeu, and we’ve come out stronger. So if as expected, our great Dane decides to leave for pastures new, then good luck and so long. But we’ll keep moving forward, just like we’ve always done.
In news that emerged earlier this week, Eriksen told Danish publication Ekstrabladet (via Sky Sports): “I feel that I am a place in my career where I might want to try something new. I have the wildest and deepest respect for everything that has happened in Tottenham, I won’t be negative but I have also said that I would like to try something new.”
With his contract running out next summer, his announcement didn’t quite come as a shock; his future has been up in the air all season, and it looked increasingly likely that it was his last for the club. The immediate reaction to it may understandably be of concern; he’s consistently been amongst our best players over a number of years now, and losing one of your stars is never a good thing.
But after the heartbreak of the Champions League final, this could be the perfect time for us to rebuild. Mauricio Pochettino has long insisted that we need to take the next step; for how good we’ve been and the incredible strides we’ve taken under the Argentine, we have no trophies to show for it. The loss in Madrid just sets it up for us to start afresh, selling players who don’t quite cut it, or simply don’t want to be here. And that applies to stars like Eriksen too.
Indeed, recent reports have suggested that we made a £53m bid for Real Betis star Giovani Lo Celso, and the midfielder is exactly the sort of midfielder we should be looking for. Young, hungry and a point to prove. The Argentine international was let go by PSG, and coming to Spurs could see him embrace the chance to set the record straight. Lucas Moura anyone?
Further to the Betis man, Lyon’s midfield sensation Tanguy Ndombele has been another name linked with us, and that could be a blockbuster signing for us. Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have been public admirers of the Frenchman, and beating the Etihad outfit to his signature would be a real statement.
So whilst Eriksen’s potential departure may seem like a step back for the moment, in possibly getting over £50m, and signing both Lo Celso and Ndombele, we would take two steps forward and do what we always do. Dare to dream.