Reds given ‘green light’ to sign classy Crystal Palace star amid interest from Arsenal and Tottenham

Liverpool have been given a boost in their pursuit to sign Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze as the playmaker is reportedly open to securing a big move, although a number of other top clubs are also on the prowl.

According to Football specialistLiverpool have been given the ‘green light’ by Eze’s camp to complete a deal next summer as the attacking midfielder is ready to take the next step in his career. Eze has shone at Palace since joining the club in August 2020, but is now ready to challenge himself at a higher level and play in European competitions such as the Champions League for the first time.

The report claims that Liverpool had concrete interest in signing Eze during the recent summer transfer window and that interest remains “active” ahead of 2025.

The England ace had a £68m (€81.7m/$90.7m) release clause in his contract, which expired once the summer window closed. However, that exit clause will be available to trigger again next summer, meaning Liverpool know exactly how much they need to pay to take Eze away from Selhurst Park.

Football specialist adds that the 26-year-old watched former Palace team-mate Michael Olise star for Bayern Munich and now he too wants to make an impact at the highest level.

Even if there is a release clause, it will not be easy for Arne Slot’s side to land Eze. Tottenham Hotspur are also big fans of the player, having scouted him on several occasions last year.

Furthermore, Arsenal and Manchester City cannot be discounted either. On September 14th, Football transfers claimed that Tottenham have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Eze, although they ‘fear’ that any future move could be ‘hijacked’ by Arsenal or City, currently two of the most powerful clubs in England.

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Where will Eze go next?

It’s difficult to predict where Eze will end up given the fact that he is being pursued by several elite teams. However, Liverpool are likely to be well at the front of the queue.

Liverpool’s current central midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has yet to truly justify his £60m (€72m/$80m) price tag. The Hungarian star has shown glimpses of his enormous talent, but has yet to do so on a regular basis.

Slot spoke about the need for his attacking midfielder to score goals and assists regularly, and if Szoboszlai fails to improve his numbers, Eze could replace him.

It could be argued that Liverpool need a new number 10 more than City, Arsenal and Spurs. After all, City have Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, Arsenal have Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, while Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou could use James Maddison in the playmaker role.

Although Foden is set to succeed De Bruyne at City, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Pep Guardiola’s side make a move for Eze too. De Bruyne has been so good for City that they may need two top players to replace his influence.

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Liverpool summary: Alexander-Arnold verdict, midfielder call

Meanwhile, Michael Owen, who represented Liverpool and Real Madrid during his playing days, explained why Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave for the Spanish capital next year.

“The only other great experience I could see for Trent was playing for Real Madrid,” Owen said. “This has nothing to do with liking a team, supporting a team, whatever, it’s just, do you want that life experience or are you happy playing for Liverpool all your life and it’s not a bad choice, it is not? I mean, what a lovely position to be in if that were the case.

The former striker added that Alexander-Arnold needs to consider Real Madrid’s offer as a player’s career is short and such a move would provide great new experience for him.

Owen then said: “If Trent leaves, it’s not because he hates Liverpool. When I left Liverpool, it wasn’t because I hated Liverpool, but because it might be something I regret if I don’t try.

“That was my attitude. My advice to Trent would be: ‘If you’re not really interested in seeing a different side of football in terms of playing in a different country, different team etc, then stay at Liverpool all your life because you won’t get any better anywhere else. place’.”

Liverpool could look to gain revenge on Real Madrid by finally capturing long-term midfield target Aurelien Tchouameni.

According to the Spanish outlet FilesReal Madrid have decided they are ready to let Tchouameni leave as long as an offer of €80m (£66.7m/$89m) arrives.

Liverpool, who were keen to sign the French star when Jurgen Klopp was in charge, are “willing” to spend big to finally bring him to Anfield.

How Eze compares to Szoboszlai and Diaz?

By Nathan Egerton

Eze predominantly played as an attacking midfielder for Palace in the 2023/24 season, making 15 Premier League appearances in that position.

The England international scored six goals and one assist in those games, averaging a direct contribution every 167.2 minutes.

Liverpool’s current number 10 is Szoboszlai, who has scored three goals and two assists from midfield in the Premier League in 2023/24.

He made 31 appearances in that position and averaged a direct goal contribution every 417.6 minutes.

“I think something we have to work on with him is that he is also even more involved in scoring goals and creating chances for us,” Arne Slot said.

“Last season he scored three (in the league), if I remember correctly, and for a Liverpool midfielder his numbers need to go up.”

Eze also showed his versatility by registering a further five goals and two assists from the left wing.

He made nine Premier League appearances in that position last season and averaged a direct goal contribution every 107.5 minutes when playing on the left wing.

Liverpool already have a number of left wing options and Luis Diaz scored eight goals and five assists in the Premier League last season.

The Colombian international made 35 league appearances in that position and averaged a direct goal contribution every 192.9 minutes.