Breaking- Tottenham have made their stance on Eberechi Eze transfer clear with £65m decision made amid double Man City update
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have already reached a crucial decision regarding their pursuit of Eberechi Eze. The Lilywhites had expressed a keen interest in the Crystal Palace playmaker, with manager Ange Postecoglou identifying him as a prime target to bolster his midfield ahead of the highly anticipated 2024/25 season. Postecoglou, who has been keen to reshape his squad since taking over at Tottenham, had viewed Eze as the kind of creative force that could unlock Premier League defenses and elevate the team’s attacking options.
The acquisition of promising young talents such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall has undoubtedly added depth and potential to Tottenham’s midfield. These signings were part of Postecoglou’s broader strategy to infuse youth into the squad, ensuring a blend of experience and fresh energy that could drive the team forward in the coming years. However, despite these additions, there was a widespread belief among fans and pundits alike that a marquee signing—one with proven Premier League experience and the ability to make an immediate impact—was still necessary.
In this context, Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey was another name that surfaced as a possible recruit for Tottenham. Ramsey, known for his versatility and dynamic presence in midfield, seemed like a natural fit for Postecoglou’s style of play. However, as the summer transfer window progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Tottenham manager’s priorities lay elsewhere. The need for a potent and reliable striker to lead the line was becoming more urgent, especially with Harry Kane’s future at the club in doubt.
As a result, Tottenham’s focus shifted towards reinforcing their attack. Several high-profile forwards were considered, with Jonathan David, Viktor Gyökeres, and Dominic Solanke emerging as key targets on the club’s shortlist. Of these, Solanke quickly moved to the top of Tottenham’s priority list. The former Liverpool striker, who had found a new lease of life at Bournemouth, was seen as the ideal candidate to bring goals and physical presence to Spurs’ frontline.
In early August, Tottenham wasted no time in initiating talks with Bournemouth over a potential deal for Solanke. Negotiations were swift and decisive, reflecting the club’s determination to secure the striker’s services. Within days, Spurs had agreed on a £55 million transfer fee for Solanke, a sum that could rise to £65 million with various performance-related add-ons. This significant investment underscored Tottenham’s commitment to strengthening their attack and signaled their intent to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
However, the financial implications of such a substantial outlay on Solanke have had a ripple effect on Tottenham’s other transfer plans. With a considerable portion of their budget now allocated to the striker, the likelihood of further big-money signings during this transfer window has diminished. This reality has all but ruled out the prospect of Tottenham finalizing a move for Eze, at least for the time being.
Eze, who has been one of Crystal Palace’s standout performers, has attracted interest from several of the Premier League’s elite clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea have both been long-time admirers of the 26-year-old, recognizing his ability to drive forward with the ball, create chances, and score from distance. Liverpool, too, have kept a close eye on Eze, viewing him as a potential successor to some of their aging midfield stars. However, it is Manchester City that has posed the most significant threat to Tottenham’s pursuit of the player.
Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s domestic and European dominance in recent years, had initially identified Michael Olise—another Crystal Palace talent—as a potential target. However, after Olise opted for a move to Bayern Munich, Guardiola turned his attention to Eze. The City manager saw in Eze a player with the flair, technical ability, and vision to slot seamlessly into his fluid attacking system.
With Julian Alvarez sold to Atletico Madrid and Oscar Bobb sidelined for several months due to a serious leg injury, Manchester City found themselves in need of an attacking reinforcement. The combination of these factors, along with the financial windfall from recent player sales, made Eze an increasingly attractive option for the Premier League champions.
Eze’s contract with Crystal Palace includes a release clause set at £65 million, a figure that Manchester City could comfortably meet given their financial muscle. As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, the likelihood of City making a move for Eze appears to be growing. Should they decide to activate the release clause, it would represent a significant blow to Tottenham’s hopes of landing the player, as City would likely have the upper hand in any bidding war.
Despite these developments, there remains a scenario in which Eze could stay at Crystal Palace for at least another season. Manchester City, despite their interest, still boast considerable depth in their attacking options, and Guardiola may yet decide that a major signing in this area is not an immediate necessity. If Eze were to remain at Selhurst Park, it would provide Tottenham with an opportunity to revisit their interest in the England international next summer.
Under the guidance of new manager Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace is expected to enjoy another strong season, with Eze likely to play a central role in their ambitions. A successful campaign for both player and club could further enhance Eze’s reputation and market value, making him an even more desirable target for Tottenham in the future. As the transfer window winds down, Tottenham fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on developments, hopeful that their club can still make a decisive move for the player who has captured their imagination.
