Crystal Palace Set to Shock Tottenham by Keeping Star Winger Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze is now anticipated to feature in Crystal Palace's opening Premier League fixture against Chelsea, despite earlier speculation that the attacking midfielder might be omitted due to continued speculation linking him with Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal have also been connected with Eze, whose reputation has grown considerably in the last year following the club's improvement under Oliver Glasner's guidance.
Neither team chose to activate Eze's £67.5 million ($91.5 million) buyout clause, which lapsed on Thursday, though Spurs are anticipated to continue their pursuit before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.
There had been speculation that Eze might miss the Stamford Bridge encounter on Sunday, with negotiations continuing behind the scenes, but The Times indicates that he will actually participate—a position that was subsequently supported by The Athletic.
Palace are believed to be exploring potential successors for Eze, with expectations that the 27-year-old will depart Selhurst Park to advance his professional journey.
Eze is enthusiastic about moving to Tottenham, who are seeking to bolster new manager Thomas Frank's offensive capabilities after James Maddison was sidelined for most of the 2025–26 campaign following an ACL injury.
Spurs have also permitted Son Heung-min to transfer to LAFC in recent weeks, although they've made solid acquisitions by securing Mohammed Kudus from London neighbors West Ham United and Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, this time on a permanent transfer.
If Eze leaves Palace, the Eagles will secure a substantial return on a player they acquired from Queens Park Rangers for approximately £17 million in 2020. He has subsequently made 167 appearances for the club in all competitions, netting 40 goals, establishing himself as an iconic presence following Wilfried Zaha's departure to Galatasaray in 2023.
Eze also possesses 11 international appearances for England, with his only goal coming in a 3-0 victory over Latvia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.