Manchester City are now competing to sign Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze, Soccernet.football understands.
City’s interest comes amid reports linking Kevin De Bruyne with a move to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Some sources suggest the Belgian midfielder has agreed to personal terms.
De Bruyne has been a crucial part of City’s success under Pep Guardiola, and his departure would be a significant loss for the Premier League champions.
According to the Mirror, Guardiola’s team is considering a £68 million bid for Eze. The England international can play both central midfield and more attacking roles, offering excellent dribbling skills and quality between the lines – key attributes for a Guardiola midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Eze. However, they might find it hard to compete financially with City and offer the same level of competition and exposure in the Champions League.
Eze, who still has three years left on his contract with Crystal Palace, has a release clause of £60 million plus add-ons. The Eagles are unlikely to sell him for less, especially after losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for £52 million.
City are reportedly impressed with Eze’s versatility and temperament, seeing him as a long-term fit for their squad. Eze has quickly become one of the top talents outside the Premier League’s Big Six, with an impressive season that included 11 goals and four assists.
He played a key role in helping Oliver Glasner’s tenure at Selhurst Park start strongly, contributing five goals and two assists in the last six games of the 2023-24 season.
