Crystal Palace are set to kick off their Premier League campaign against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today, but doubts linger over whether Eberechi Eze will feature in Oliver Glasner’s squad due to speculations around the talented midfielder’s potential transfer to Tottenham.
The England international is thought to be open to a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Spurs and Palace locked in talks. Spurs opted against paying Eze’s £68million release clause, which expired on Friday.
The north London club value the 27-year-old closer to the £55m they paid for Mohammed Kudus, and it remains to be seen whether Palace will accept an offer below his clause valuation.
As Crystal Palace gear up for their season opener against Chelsea, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported via his X account that there is still no certainty over Eberechi Eze’s inclusion in the squad.
The update claims that negotiations with Tottenham are progressing, with the player having agreed terms and communicated his desire to leave to Palace. However, the transfer remains incomplete, leaving Eze’s participation in the upcoming match in doubt. His tweet reads:
“No guarantee yet on Eberechi Eze out of Crystal Palace squad for Chelsea game.
Negotiations advancing with Tottenham, agreement done with the player who has informed Palace of his desire
but not a done deal yet; so Glasner and his staff will decide on Sunday morning”.
With Eze’s future in south London looking increasingly doubtful, the Eagles have now begun to consider potential replacements. Softfootball has reliably learned that Palace have approached Leicester City to explore a move for Bilal El Khannouss.
The 21-year-old has been eyed up by a number of Premier League sides following the Foxes’ relegation. But there is no guarantee he will leave the King Power Stadium in the coming weeks, with the terms of an exit complex.
Palace have been known admirers of El Khannouss for some time, but have now made contact with Leicester to formalise their interest.
While an offer has yet to be submitted, it is thought the Morocco international would be open to the idea, but the deal is dependent on Eze’s future, and his absence would be a huge blow to Crystal Palace as they make the trip across London to face Chelsea on Sunday.
