When Christian Eriksen finally left Tottenham for Inter Milan two-and-a-half years ago, it looked like Manchester United's long association with the player was finally at an end. Yet, here we are again, with United contemplating a move for the Denmark international as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield options in his first summer transfer window.
A lot has changed since Eriksen first left the Premier League two years ago. He won Serie A in his only full season at Inter, making 26 appearances in the league, most of which came in a deeper midfield role than he had occupied in the English top-flight.
And then in June of last year, his entire life was hanging in the balance when he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark in their European Championship opener against Finland. At that moment, football once again became a trivial matter, but following his successful recovery, it once again became a driving force for Eriksen as he fought so hard to play again when it seemed so improbable.
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Last October, it was announced Eriksen was not permitted to play in Serie A due to his implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, and two months later Inter confirmed they had terminated their contract with the Danish star. Eriksen's eventual return to football with Brentford in January was one of the feel-good stories of the year, and in his short six-month spell at the club, he reminded everyone just how good he remains.
Since he made his debut for Thomas Frank's side, only Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard created more chances in the English top-flight while he also transformed their tactical approach by using the ball intelligently, looking to switch play on numerous occasions and utilise possession better.
But as United look to rebuild under Ten Hag this summer, there can be no room for sentiment. So, despite Eriksen's unquestionable technical ability, there needs to be a sense of realism about what he could actually offer the side next season.
Even in his brilliance at Brentford, the 30-year-old made only 11 appearances — nine of which came in central midfield rather than as an outright attacking option.
This summer, United are looking to offset the losses of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, but the truth is Eriksen is no longer the same playmaker or wide player he once was for Tottenham, and instead would be arriving as a supplementary option to replace Paul Pogba in a more traditional central midfield role.
A move for the experienced midfielder also throws into question United's plans for their most talented youngsters, with the likes of Hannibal Mejbri, Shola Shoretire, Alejandro Garnacho and Charlie Savage themselves being candidates to replace the departing stars this summer.
It would also cast doubt on Donny van de Beek's role at the club next season, with the 25-year-old hoping to get a fresh start under his former Ajax boss this summer — something that would be made harder if Eriksen is added to the squad, expectant of playing time.
Then there is his ability. As harsh as it may sound, there is a huge difference between being the star of the show for a plucky underdog like Brentford and doing a job for United when your every move is scrutinised to the nth degree.
Eriksen would certainly bring composure and creativity to a dysfunctional midfield, but his addition would be another distraction from the desperate need for a defensive midfielder, and he would only be a short-term solution for the next year or two. He is certainly a much more appealing option than most 30-year-old free agents, but with so many issues elsewhere in the squad, Eriksen seems like an unnecessary addition given his role would only be limited.
A move for De Jong has to take precedence, but if that doesn't materialise, then perhaps the Dane would be the ideal stop-gap before United pursue Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham in a year's time.
