Christian Eriksen collapse left many fearing for his football future and Demark star was banned in Italy, but one year on he’s linked with Manchester United transfer and Tottenham return

Christian Eriksen’s return to football following his collapse at Euro 2020 is astonishing enough – but now he could be on the verge of signing for one of the Premier League giants.

The former Spurs star helped turn Brentford‘s season around after signing on deadline day in January, scoring in the Bees’ 4-1 demolition of Chelsea, as well as providing four assists across his six-month stint.

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But just one year ago today, Eriksen‘s chances of ever kicking a ball again looked slim.

The Denmark international suddenly collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for his country against Finland in their opening game of the Euros last summer.

The midfielder survived as a result of fast and expertly-delivered CPR along with the use of an on-site defibrillator, much to the sheer relief of many onlookers who feared the absolute worst.

Eriksen was later fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) which will automatically restore his heart’s rhythm should a concerning pattern develop again.

However, the problem wasn’t solved yet.

Following the fitting of the device, Eriksen was no longer allowed to play for his team at the time, Inter Milan, as players with significant heart abnormalities are banned from competing in Italy.

With the likes of Manchester City cult hero Sergio Aguero having to retire back in December due to heart problems, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if Eriksen also hung up his boots.

But come January, Brentford gave the star midfielder a chance, and the 30-year-old has been edging closer and closer to being back to his best ever since.

So much so that he could be playing for one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs as soon as next season.

Eriksen made a name for himself in England after his seven year spell with Tottenham, scoring 69 goals and making 90 assists in 305 games.

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Now, reports suggest that a Spurs return could be possible for the midfielder.

Eriksen previously played under the north London side’s manager, Antonio Conte, at Inter Milan, with the pair winning Serie A together just before the Dane’s heart attack.

It’s also understood Eriksen’s family is settled in London.

But while a return to Tottenham looks to be written in the stars, Spurs will have to shake off competition from Manchester United, who are also interested.

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Reports earlier this week suggested United scouts had gone to watch Denmark’s game against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, with many theorising that they’d gone to watch the free agent.

And given Erik ten Hag will need to rebuild the Red Devils’ midfield with Paul Pogba and Juan Mata both leaving, Eriksen could be the perfect investment for United.

However, despite the upcoming squad overhaul and change in manager, talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor believes the Dane should avoid going to Old Trafford after their below-par season.

“I think he’d [Eriksen] make every team better. Imagine playing with him, the runs you could make, he’d find you with his passing.” the former Aston Villa man said on Wednesday’s talkSPORT Breakfast.

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“I’m sure he’s got so many options and there’s talk about Manchester United, but I don’t know about that. I think he can do better than United.”

The ex pro went on to say that Eriksen would be better suited to Spurs, anyway, given his relationship with Conte.

It remains to be seen where Eriksen will be playing next season, but it does look like he will be in Denmark’s squad for the 2022 World Cup this winter, with him featuring in this month’s Nations League games.

“My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar. I want to play,” Eriksen said in an interview with Danish station DR1 in early January.

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“That’s been my mindset all along. It’s a goal, a dream.”

It’s nothing short of astounding that Eriksen is on the verge of completing a full circle back to competing in international tournaments just one year after his collapse.

And wherever he ends up at next season, his inspirational recovery will certainly go down in football history.