Crystal Palace Star Eberechi Eze Edges Closer to Shock Exit After Release Clause Deadline Passes
Tottenham Hotspur are said to be "intensifying" their pursuit of Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.
Despite growing speculation about his future, Eze started the new campaign as a Palace player and featured in the Eagles' goalless stalemate against Chelsea on the opening weekend, though many questioned whether he would play—his early free-kick goal was disallowed following a VAR check.
Reports from The Guardian suggest Spurs have conducted "additional discussions" regarding Eze. A move appears to be gaining momentum, though Palace naturally want to secure a replacement before allowing his departure.
Eze, who supported Arsenal as a child and came through their youth system, is believed to be willing to join Tottenham and works with a "powerful" agency that has "strong connections" to the club.
Spurs chose not to activate a £68 million ($92 million) buyout clause before its Friday deadline, which would have demanded the full amount upfront, and are now attempting to negotiate a package beginning at a guaranteed £55 million, with additional payments.
While the north London club has maintained long-term interest in Eze, their urgency has increased following James Maddison's ACL injury setback. Dejan Kulusevski, potentially the team's most creative player, is also currently unavailable.
A switch to Tottenham would offer Champions League participation this season. However, 27-year-old Eze, capped by England since 2023, has climbed the ladder gradually and shown persistence. Released by Arsenal at 13, he later had stints with Fulham, Reading and Millwall before facing the prospect of leaving football entirely at 18 when Millwall let him go. Eze managed to arrange a trial with Queens Park Rangers and performed well enough to secure his first professional deal.
QPR included a sell-on provision when they transferred Eze to Palace in 2020 for £17 million and will receive 15% of any profit generated from the transaction, which could be substantial.