Looks like the sale of Neymar is having repercussions for all the Premier League sides. Flush with the money from that sale, Barcelona had been looking at signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool. With the Merseyside club adamant that he wouldn’t be sold, the Catalans have now shifted their attention to signing Christian Eriksen from Tottenham, according to the Independent.
The Spanish side wants to replace Neymar but has had no luck with Liverpool over Coutinho, after seeing a couple of bids turned down. With the Reds having already indicated that they will not sell Coutinho this window, Barcelona are pushed to look elsewhere.
That seems to have directed their attention on Tottenham’s 25-year-old attacking midfielder, according to the Independent. The view within the club is that the Danish star can be a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta.
Will Eriksen Rock The Boat?
The midfielder was in sensational form last season having scored 8 goals and 15 assists. He is pivotal to Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for this season and beyond, making him an integral part of Tottenham.
He is happy at the club and signed a four-year contract extension almost a year back, which means that any transfer discussions are a non-starter.
But we have seen in the past that a long-term deal is no guarantee of the player’s loyalty. Even in the case of Coutinho, interest from Barcelona has swayed his mind eventually, resulting in him handing over a transfer request.
No Way Eriksen Is Leaving!
Some may say that the lure of Camp Nou is too good for a player to reject. Then, of course, is the fact that he could get a huge increase in the pay packet. Danny Rose has indicated in an interview with The Sun that his wages are not showing his true worth, which may find resonance with some of his team-mates.
Having said all that, Spurs will be reluctant to lose the services of one of their key players, which will make it difficult for Barcelona. Spurs fans will be jittery because what’s happening with Coutinho; with the player eventually submitting a transfer request, may happen with Eriksen too.
I know most of our fans must now be praying that Coutinho moves to Barcelona but there is no danger of Eriksen moving, not this summer.
