Report: Tottenham now leading the race for Premier League star with 32 goals & 24 assists – player open to move
Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as the front-runners in the pursuit of Crystal Palace’s highly sought-after attacking midfielder, Eberechi Eze. The North London club appears to be the most serious contender for his signature, positioning themselves ahead of potential rivals.
According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea—who had been previously linked with Eze—are no longer in the race, leaving Spurs with a strong advantage. The report also states that the player himself is “very open” to making the switch to Tottenham, as he is keen to remain in London rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.
Negotiations Could Be Challenging Due to Release Clause Dispute
Despite Tottenham’s strong interest and Eze’s apparent willingness to join, negotiations with Crystal Palace are expected to be complex. The major stumbling block is the £68 million release clause in Eze’s contract—an amount that Spurs are reluctant to meet. Sporting director Johan Lange reportedly values the player closer to £50 million, creating a significant gap in valuation between the two clubs.
While Tottenham are leading the chase, they are not alone in their admiration of the England international. Manchester United and Napoli have also expressed interest in the 26-year-old, which could increase the pressure on Spurs to either meet Palace’s demands or risk missing out on the player.
Former Spurs Scout Backs Move, But Eze May Seek Assurances
Adding to the speculation, former Tottenham scout Bryan King has voiced his belief that Eze would be receptive to a move to Spurs. However, King also suggested that the playmaker may seek assurances regarding Tottenham’s long-term ambitions and project under Ange Postecoglou before committing to a transfer.
Eze has been a standout performer since joining Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers for £17 million in 2020. He quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting creative talents, showcasing his dribbling ability, vision, and goal-scoring threat.
Eze’s Rise at Crystal Palace: A Look at His Contributions
Despite battling injury setbacks during his time at Selhurst Park, Eze has continued to impress. He was Palace’s top scorer in the 2022-23 season, finishing with 11 goals and six assists across all competitions. His contributions have remained consistent this season, where he has already registered six goals and seven assists in 28 appearances, including a crucial assist in Palace’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Since joining the Eagles, Eze has accumulated 32 goals and 24 assists in 152 appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the league.
How Would Eze Fit Into Spurs’ Squad?
If Tottenham successfully secure Eze’s signature, it could spark debate over how he would fit into Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup. Spurs already have James Maddison operating as their primary attacking midfielder, meaning Eze’s arrival could either lead to competition for the No. 10 role or a shift in formation.
With Maddison excelling since his arrival from Leicester City, the addition of another creative midfielder could raise questions about his long-term role at the club. However, Postecoglou may see Eze’s versatility as an asset, potentially deploying him in a slightly deeper midfield role or even as an advanced winger.
Will Daniel Levy Strike a Deal?
One key factor that could determine the outcome of this transfer saga is Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy’s approach to negotiations. Levy is well known for his tough stance in the transfer market, often seeking to drive down fees rather than pay full release clauses. Whether he will match Palace’s valuation or attempt to negotiate a lower fee remains to be seen.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Spurs fans will be eager to see if the club can get a deal over the line for Eze, who could add another layer of creativity and attacking flair to Postecoglou’s squad. However, with other clubs monitoring the situation and Tottenham unwilling to meet the release clause, negotiations could prove to be a long and complex process.
