Crystal Palace are reluctant to sanction Eberechi Eze’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur until they secure a replacement for their talismanic playmaker.
Among the names on Palace’s shortlist are Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis and Leicester City’s highly rated midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, both seen as potential candidates to fill the creative void should Eze leave.
Negotiations are ongoing between Spurs and Palace over a potential deal, but Oliver Glasner’s side hold a strong hand after the expiration of the England international’s release clause.
Eze, 27, has two years remaining on his Selhurst Park contract and underlined his importance by starting in Sunday’s goalless draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Glasner: “I expect him to play on Thursday”
Speaking after the Chelsea clash, Glasner sought to calm speculation, insisting Eze remains part of his immediate plans.
“Eb should have scored a goal today, he had one and it was disallowed. He will come tomorrow [Monday] to the training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad [in the UEFA Conference League] on Thursday.”
Eze lingered on the Stamford Bridge pitch after the final whistle, acknowledging Palace fans as they chanted his name, further fuelling speculation over his future.
Spurs circle as Palace brace for decisive talks
Tottenham, who begin their Champions League campaign next month, view Eze as a marquee signing for new head coach Thomas Frank. Palace’s stance is clear – they want reinforcements secured before cashing in on their star.
Analysis: Spurs Could Provide the Stage for Eze’s X-Factor
At 27, this feels like the perfect time for Eberechi Eze to step onto the Champions League stage, having written his name into Crystal Palace folklore with a talismanic role in their historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last May, followed by the Community Shield last week, he now looks primed for the next chapter.
For Thomas Frank, Eze’s versatility is a key draw, with James Maddison sidelined by an ACL injury, Eze can fill the No.10 role immediately, while also offering the option of dovetailing with Maddison when he returns.
Eberechi Eze minutes by position in the Premier League last season
His tendency to drift infield from the left and exploit half-spaces makes him a constant threat – a profile Tottenham have long sought.
Eze also harbours ambitions of starring for England at next summer’s World Cup, a move to Spurs, with the platform of Champions League football and the chance to compete for the Premier League title, would only strengthen his claim.
With Spurs’ recent Europa League triumph ending their long trophy drought, both club and player share the hunger for more silverware – making this a transfer that carries weight for all parties involved.