Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are yet to reach a final agreement on the transfer of Eberechi Eze, despite significant progress in negotiations. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder has been a top target for Spurs, who need to bolster their squad following James Maddison’s ACL injury and Son Heung-min’s departure.

Transfer Negotiations Update

– Agreement in Principle: According to reports, Tottenham and Crystal Palace have reached an agreement in principle over Eze’s transfer, with the fee believed to be around £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

– Direct Communication: Daniel Levy and Steve Parish are in direct contact to finalize the deal, indicating a sense of urgency and commitment from both clubs.

– Eze’s Desire: Eze has informed Crystal Palace of his desire to join Tottenham, citing his wish to play in the Champions League as a major factor in his decision ¹ ².

Potential Debut and Lineup Impact

– Possible Debut: Eze might make his Tottenham debut against Manchester City, potentially replacing one of the current midfielders, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur being possible options to drop out of the lineup.

– Tactical Adjustments: With Pape Matar Sarr impressing during pre-season, Eze’s arrival could lead to some tactical adjustments, potentially demoting Bentancur, whose contract expires in 2026.

Crystal Palace’s Next Steps

– Finding a Replacement: Crystal Palace is accelerating efforts to find a replacement for Eze, with Bilal El Khannouss being a leading option. The club wants to secure a deal for El Khannouss before finalizing Eze’s transfer.

– Eze’s Participation in European Tie: Despite the transfer rumors, Eze was substituted in Crystal Palace’s match against Chelsea, and it’s unclear if he’ll feature in their upcoming European tie ².