While Toby Alderweireld’s contract situation at Tottenham Hotspur has constantly been in the mindset of the press and supporters over the last 12 months, a more-concerning standoff with another key Spurs player deserves a swift response from the club.
Christian Eriksen’s contract expires in the summer of 2020 and despite reported contract negotiations, the customary photo of the Lilywhites star sitting with Mauricio Pochettino’s arm around him upon confirmation has not been forthcoming.
The Daily Mail report today that Tottenham are committed to doubling Eriksen’s £70,000 per week wages in a bid to keep him in North London, but it may take more than that for the Dane to commit.
The former Ajax playmaker is at the top of his abilities currently and it is only natural that he is linked to Barcelona, Real Madrid and the biggest clubs in the world.
Eriksen is the metronome that makes Tottenham tick; the creative talent to break down stubborn opponents; the game-changer that can do something out of nothing.
While the Spurs squad is full of talented international players, the Scandinavian is the most gifted and his unique skillset would take some replacing should he leave the club.
Tottenham are in a tricky situation come the end of the season, where they could be forced to sell Eriksen if an extension is not agreed.
As such, and to prove to the star just how important he is to the club, the attacking midfielder deserves the same £200,000 per week deal that Harry Kane was handed at the start of the campaign.
Keeping Tottenham’s best players at the club is critical in Pochettino’s ongoing project – losing Eriksen would be an absolute hammer blow and the playmaker deserves a big pay increase.