Journalist: Palace Star Attracts Late Interest from Man City and Liverpool | OneFootball

Palace Ready for Late Eze Bids from Man City and Liverpool

As the transfer window enters its final stretch, Crystal Palace find themselves in a precarious position. Eberechi Eze, their star forward, is attracting significant interest from two of the Premier League’s heavyweights, Manchester City and Liverpool. Both clubs are reportedly preparing late bids to secure the services of the 26-year-old, who has been a pivotal figure in Palace’s recent campaigns.

Eze’s Importance to Palace

Eberechi Eze has become indispensable to Crystal Palace since his arrival in 2020. His creativity, dribbling ability, and eye for goal have made him a key player in Oliver Glasner’s system, helping to maintain Palace’s top-flight status. The departure of Michael Olise earlier in the transfer window already left a void in Palace’s attack, and losing Eze would exacerbate those issues significantly.

Photo: IMAGO

Eze’s performances have caught the eye of several clubs, but with Manchester City and Liverpool circling, the challenge for Palace will be convincing the player that his future remains at Selhurst Park. As the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window, Palace are preparing for what could be a decisive few days in their season.

Man City’s Interest in Eze

Manchester City’s interest in Eze is particularly intriguing. Following the departure of Julian Alvarez, City are in need of a versatile forward who can operate both in midfield and on the wings. Eze, with his ability to play in a more advanced midfield role, could be an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s system. Guardiola has long admired players who can adapt to multiple positions, and Eze’s flexibility would offer City additional options in their already star-studded squad.

Photo IMAGO

Eze’s performances at Euro 2024 further enhanced his reputation, and City see him as a player who can contribute immediately. However, prising him away from Palace won’t be straightforward. The South London club are reluctant to part with their prized asset and have reportedly set a high asking price.

Liverpool’s Quiet Summer and Eze’s Appeal

Liverpool, on the other hand, have had a relatively quiet transfer window under new manager Arne Slot. The Merseyside club have yet to make a significant signing this summer, but with the possibility of Eze becoming available, they could be tempted to make a move. Eze’s creativity and flair would add a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack, complementing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez.

However, Liverpool face the same obstacle as Manchester City: Crystal Palace’s valuation of Eze. Reports suggest that Palace are holding out for a fee in excess of £60 million, a price that has already deterred interest from clubs like Arsenal. Whether Liverpool are willing to meet those demands remains to be seen.

Palace’s Stand and Eze’s Future

For now, Eze remains a Crystal Palace player, starting in their season opener against Brentford, where he was unfortunate to have a goal disallowed. But with the transfer deadline looming, his future is anything but certain. Palace will be desperate to keep hold of their star, but if the right offer comes in, it may be difficult to resist.

As the transfer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on Selhurst Park to see whether Eze remains in South London or makes a high-profile move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs.