Key Takeaways:
- Tottenham agreed a deal just over £60 million for Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace earlier today
- The club will pay £30 million up front, with the balance paid in instalments
- Eze is set to become Spurs’ sixth signing of the current transfer window
Transfer Negotiations Result in Major Accord
Tottenham Hotspur have finalised an agreement with Crystal Palace for the acquisition of Eberechi Eze, totalling just over £60 million. After several days of intensive negotiations between the North London side and the Eagles, a breakthrough was achieved earlier today. Tottenham will provide an initial £30 million payment for the England midfielder, with the remaining amount scheduled as instalments. This upfront fee will furnish Palace with the financial flexibility required to pursue a suitable replacement for Eze.
Eze’s Emergence as a Priority Signing
The 27-year-old midfielder rose to the top of Tottenham’s transfer shortlist after James Maddison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season. Initial talks between Spurs and Crystal Palace began last week, with speculation that Eze could potentially miss his club’s Premier League opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, since a deal had not been finalised at the time, Eze featured in the goalless draw and saw a well-executed free-kick ruled out. Following that match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner indicated that he anticipated Eze’s availability for the upcoming Conference League fixture against Fredrikstad. Nevertheless, with today’s completion of the agreement, Eze’s participation now appears highly unlikely.
Crystal Palace Consider Replacement Options
Crystal Palace are weighing their options to fill the void left by Eze’s departure. Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss has been identified as a leading candidate. Additionally, Club Brugge’s Chris Tzolis has been highlighted as another player under consideration by the Eagles’ recruitment team.
Tottenham’s Recruitment Activity This Summer
The addition of Eze marks Tottenham’s sixth arrival of the transfer window. The club previously made the loan deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel permanent before securing Japanese centre-back Kota Takai in a £5 million swoop. Tottenham subsequently spent £55 million to acquire West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, and later brought in Joao Palhinha on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich. Earlier in the summer, the club had also come close to securing Morgan Gibbs-White, only for the move to collapse at the last hurdle.
There could yet be further activity in North London before the close of the window. Tottenham continue to register an interest in Manchester City winger Savinho, while Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco has been listed as an alternative target according to the Independent.
