“Is Eze overrared”?- Spurs hit the jackpot on their “masterclass signing” who’s worth way more than Eze
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer activities this summer have taken a rather unusual turn. Unlike many of their Premier League counterparts, who have been active in the market, Spurs made a significant signing early on during the Euros, securing the services of the highly-rated youngster Archie Gray. This move marked a promising start to their transfer window, suggesting an ambitious approach from the North London club.
However, since bringing in Gray, Tottenham’s transfer dealings have been relatively quiet in terms of concrete signings. Despite the lack of tangible movements, the club has been linked with a plethora of exciting players, fueling speculation and anticipation among fans. Some of these transfer rumors are more credible than others, but one name that has consistently emerged as a strong potential target is Crystal Palace’s sensational talent, Eberechi Eze.
Eberechi Eze has been one of the standout players in the Premier League, and his potential move to Tottenham Hotspur has been a hot topic. According to recent reports, Spurs are very much in the race to secure Eze’s signature this summer and are even considered the frontrunners. Their primary competitor for Eze’s signature appears to be Manchester City, who are reportedly waiting to resolve Kevin De Bruyne’s situation before making any formal moves for the Palace star.
For Spurs, this is undoubtedly good news. However, a significant challenge remains: Eze’s transfer fee. As reported by BBC Sport back in April, Crystal Palace has set Eze’s price at around £60 million. While this is a substantial amount, it is by no means unreasonable given the player’s exceptional performances over the past season.
In just 31 appearances last season, the “incredible” 26-year-old, as lauded by his teammate Joel Ward, managed to score 11 goals and provide six assists. This means Eze averaged a goal involvement every 1.82 games. Such an impressive tally would have made him the second most productive player in Tottenham’s squad last season, with only Son Heung-min surpassing him with 17 goal involvements.
If Eze were to join Ange Postecoglou’s revolution at Tottenham this summer, he would undoubtedly be a significant asset. Eze’s versatility allows him to play effectively both in the middle of the park and on the left wing. His technical skills, vision, and creativity would add a new dimension to Spurs’ attacking play. However, in the left-wing position, he would find competition from a teammate whose value has skyrocketed: Destiny Udogie.
Destiny Udogie, an Italian left-back, was signed by Spurs for just £15 million plus bonuses in August 2022. After spending a season on loan in his home country, Udogie joined the North Londoners last summer and took the Premier League by storm. Described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as a “masterclass signing,” Udogie quickly established himself as a key player for Tottenham. In 30 first-team appearances, all of which were starts, Udogie scored two goals and provided three assists, averaging a goal involvement every six games from the full-back position.
Udogie’s remarkable performances earned him the distinction of being Tottenham’s first-ever nominee for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season Award in May. Although he did not win, the nomination itself was a testament to his exceptional talent and rapid development. His rise from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most exciting young prospects in the country has seen his transfer value soar. According to the CIES Football Observatory, Udogie is now worth up to €83 million, approximately £70 million, making him significantly more valuable than Eze’s estimated transfer fee.
The potential signing of Eberechi Eze would undoubtedly enhance Tottenham’s squad, improving their options in both midfield and on the wings. Eze’s ability to drive forward, create scoring opportunities, and his knack for finding the back of the net would make him a formidable addition to the team. However, while Eze’s arrival would be a significant boost, Tottenham must also recognize the immense value and potential of Destiny Udogie.
Udogie’s contributions from the left-back position have been nothing short of outstanding. His defensive solidity, coupled with his ability to support the attack, provides Tottenham with a unique weapon on the left flank. His impressive performances last season have firmly established him as one of the most promising young talents in the Premier League.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in an intriguing position this transfer window. The potential signing of Eberechi Eze would undoubtedly bring a new level of quality to the team, offering creativity and goals from midfield or the wings. However, as the club looks to bolster its squad, it is essential to remember that their most valuable asset on the left side is already within their ranks: the talented and highly-valued Destiny Udogie. Balancing these two exceptional talents could propel Tottenham to new heights in the coming season.
