Why Christian Eriksen needs to push for Inter Milan exit as career stalls

For whatever reason, transfers in football don’t always work out. It may look like the best deal on paper, with a specific player having the attributes that a certain team needs, but then they arrive and barely make an impact.

That has happened with Christian Eriksen at Inter Milan. The Italian giants splashed out around £16.9m in January 2020 to secure the services of the Danish international, even though he was entering the final six months of his contract with Tottenham. However, in the mind of Antonio Conte, it was a risk worth taking. He believed Eriksen could transform his side as they chased their first Scudetto since 2010.

As it transpires, he was wrong. The attacking midfielder did play in 17 Serie A games, but he managed just one goal, the fifth in a 6-0 win, and two assists. Simply put, it’s not what Inter expected.

With the Milan outfit going on to miss out on the title and lose in the Europa League final, Conte was not a happy man. Yet, despite reports suggesting the former Chelsea chief may depart following the disappointing end to the 2019/20 campaign, he remains at the San Siro – which isn’t exactly good news for Eriksen.

Another Inter transfer spree followed ahead of the new season, with Arturo Vidal the notable midfield addition that has pushed Eriksen further down the pecking order. Now, not only does he not get in the best XI, but the ex-Ajax man isn’t even the first one or two subs that Conte turns to. Unfortunately for the playmaker, he can’t really complain. That’s because Inter are doing very well domestically. They are among the pack that are chasing the title in Italy, and the latest football betting odds suggest I Nerazzurri have a great chance of being successful, as they’re 7/4 favourites ahead of Juventus.

For Eriksen, that means he is unlikely to get the first-team opportunities he must crave. Whilst he has been a household name for so many years, it’s easy to forget he is only 28 – he should be entering his peak years. And he can’t be wasting them on the bench. Any prospective buyers will have noted the quality Eriksen has shown with his national team, which proves he isn’t a player on the decline. His influence for Denmark is significant, and he will have a major role for the country when they play in Euro 2020.

Given his salary and lack of minutes, you can’t imagine that Inter will be wanting to keep the player around either. Conte has a bloated squad, so freeing up funds and space could allow him to make one or two additions to improve his group in the New Year as well. Where next for Eriksen would be the big question. Financially, there are only either Premier League clubs, or elite teams in Europe, who could take him on, and it’s unlikely the latter will do so. Therefore, the Premier League may await. It’s a division that he has thrived in and one where he has a solid reputation. A return to England may be just what’s required to get the talented Eriksen’s career back on track.