Crystal Palace Chairman Surprised by Quiet Summer for Star Player | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s Surprise: Eze’s Lack of Transfer Interest

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has expressed his surprise at the limited interest in star player Eberechi Eze during the recent transfer window. With many of the club’s big names linked to high-profile moves, including Michael Olise’s £50 million transfer to Bayern Munich, Parish admitted he had expected a greater level of attention around Eze.

Olise Departure Sparks Fears for Eze and Others

The summer began with Michael Olise heading to Bayern Munich, leaving Palace fans concerned about the future of other key players like Eze and Marc Guehi. Rumours of interest from Tottenham and Manchester City swirled around Eze, particularly after Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb suffered an unfortunate injury. Despite these links, no formal approaches were made for the attacking midfielder, much to Parish’s surprise.

“I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael and Ebs in the same window,” Parish explained to Sky Sports. He went on to express his genuine shock, saying, “We didn’t have in Ebs the interest that I thought we would have. I was astounded. Genuinely astounded.”

Palace’s Gamble on Eze Pays Off for Now

Eze’s reported £60 million release clause expired in August, but with his contract running until 2027, Crystal Palace remains in a strong position for now. Parish acknowledged that Eze may aspire to play at a higher level in the future, but for the moment, the England international continues to shine at Selhurst Park.

“I don’t think any Crystal Palace supporter would mind that fact that at some point Ebs wants to play at the highest level. He’s playing regularly for England, back in the squad again which we’re so proud about,” Parish said, praising the 26-year-old for his continued commitment to the club.

While Eze remains at the heart of Palace’s plans, the future of Marc Guehi remains uncertain. The centre-back rejected significant interest from Newcastle this summer, with Palace turning down a £65 million bid. Guehi’s contract situation, however, could become a pressing issue next summer, as he enters the final year of his deal.

Parish’s Vision: Palace as a Pathway

Despite holding on to key players like Eze and Guehi, Parish remains realistic about the club’s position as a “pathway” to bigger ambitions. “We want to be a destination club in the end. That’s what we want to be. We want to be playing in the Champions League, but the reality is we don’t right now,” Parish admitted. The chairman recognises that while Palace are proud of selling talents like Olise to Bayern Munich, the club must manage the balance between nurturing talent and being a stepping stone for players with aspirations of playing in Europe’s elite competitions.

“We won’t get really great young talent come to us if they think they’re going to be stuck,” Parish explained, emphasising the importance of maintaining the club’s status as a breeding ground for future stars while ensuring that Palace continues to thrive.

In conclusion, while Eze remains a vital part of Crystal Palace’s present, the future is always uncertain. However, for now, Palace fans can enjoy watching their talisman perform, both in the Premier League and on the international stage.