Exclusive: Tottenham in Advanced Talks with Agent as Deadline Looms on Release Clause
Tottenham Hotspur could be closing in on a major summer coup, with the North London club pushing hard to bring Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before a crucial release clause deadline expires.
A Race Against Time
Eze, 27, has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League over the past two seasons and a driving force behind Crystal Palace’s recent rise. His crowning moment came in May, when he scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup Final to deliver Palace’s first-ever major trophy—a historic triumph that further cemented his status as a club hero.
Spurs have already made initial contact regarding the England international and are believed to be in direct talks with his representatives. The urgency stems from the fact that Eze’s contract contains a £68 million release clause—set to expire this Friday. Once that date passes, Palace will have full control over negotiations and are expected to demand a significantly higher fee, potentially in the £80–90 million range.
Perfect Maddison Replacement
The push for Eze has taken on even greater importance after Tottenham’s star playmaker, James Maddison, suffered a serious injury. Manager Thomas Frank, newly in charge at Spurs, is keen to bring in a player who can not only replicate Maddison’s creativity and vision but also offer an additional goal threat.
Eze fits the bill perfectly. The former QPR man has developed into one of England’s most dynamic attacking midfielders, combining flair, close control, and an eye for goal. His versatility—capable of operating centrally or drifting wide—would give Spurs added tactical flexibility. In fact, many believe Eze is currently ahead of Maddison in Gareth Southgate’s England pecking order.
Former Spurs Scout Tips Deal to Happen
Ex-Tottenham scout Bryan King has expressed confidence that Spurs can get the deal done in time:
> “Why shouldn’t there be enough time to get it done before Friday? If you want the player, go in with the offer. I would imagine, if this has been in the pipeline, Spurs will have already spoken to his agent,” King told Tottenham News.
“Personally, I think £68m would be a very good price for a player of that quality. Without the clause, you’re probably looking at £80–90m. The only stumbling block would be if Palace told him to wait until Friday to drive the price up.”
Levy Under the Spotlight
Chairman Daniel Levy has been criticised in recent years for cautious transfer dealings, often missing out on priority targets due to drawn-out negotiations. Securing Eze before the clause deadline would represent a statement signing, silencing critics and providing Frank with an elite creative force for the season ahead.
What Happens Next
Tottenham’s hierarchy are now weighing whether to trigger the clause outright or attempt to negotiate a slightly reduced fee before Friday. The clock is ticking, and any hesitation could see the opportunity vanish—leaving Palace in the driver’s seat.
If Spurs can get this over the line, they won’t just have solved their Maddison problem—they may well have upgraded their attack altogether. With the season fast approaching, this could be the marquee move that defines their summer.