Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has expressed his surprise and disappointment at the lack of transfer interest in star player Eberechi Eze. Despite Eze’s impressive performances last season and his inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024, no bids were made for the midfielder, leaving Parish astounded.
Eze had an outstanding 2023/24 season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 31 appearances for Crystal Palace. His performances earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, where he made three appearances off the bench as the Three Lions reached the final. Eze has also started the new season in fine form, scoring two goals in four games, including a stunning strike against Chelsea.
Palace were prepared to receive big-money offers for their best players over the summer, including Eze, who had a release clause worth around £60 million. Tottenham and Manchester City were reportedly interested in the 26-year-old, but no bids materialized, leaving Parish baffled.
“I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebs in the same window,” said Parish. “We didn’t have in Ebs the interest that I thought we would have. I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s a gift to any football club.”
Parish acknowledged that Eze’s desire to play at the highest level is understandable and that Crystal Palace supporters would not mind if he eventually moved on. However, he expressed his surprise that more clubs did not show interest in the talented midfielder.
The expiration of Eze’s release clause and his three remaining years on his contract mean that Crystal Palace can now hold on to their star player. However, the lack of interest in Eze raises questions about the valuation and recognition of talent in the transfer market.
Crystal Palace did make two significant sales over the summer, with Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich for over £50 million and Joachim Andersen moving to Fulham for £30 million. The decision not to sell Marc Guehi, who was heavily linked with a £65 million switch to Newcastle, was influenced by Andersen’s departure.
Parish admitted that the transfer window did not go as expected for Crystal Palace, but he remains optimistic about the future. The chairman highlighted the importance of keeping Eze at the club and expressed his pride in the midfielder’s regular appearances for England.
In conclusion, Steve Parish’s surprise at the lack of interest in Eberechi Eze highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of the transfer market. Despite Eze’s impressive performances and international recognition, no bids were made for the midfielder. This raises questions about the valuation and recognition of talent in the football industry. However, Crystal Palace can now hold on to their star player, and Parish remains optimistic about the future.