Report: Liverpool Push for £68m Palace Star | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Eze as Midfield Reinforcement Amid Premier League Competition

Liverpool have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Ebere Eze, with reports indicating that the Reds have received a ‘green light’ to initiate a transfer next summer. According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old is open to moving on from Palace to take the next step in his career, with the lure of European football likely to be a key factor in his decision. This is a potentially game-changing development for Liverpool, as Arne Slot’s side look to reinforce their attacking options for the coming seasons.

Eze has been a standout player for Palace since his arrival in 2020, consistently demonstrating his talent and potential. His performances have caught the eye of many, and it’s no surprise that several top Premier League clubs are also monitoring his situation. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Manchester City are all rumoured to be in the race for his signature, adding to the fierce competition Liverpool face. But with Liverpool’s clear need for a dynamic attacking midfielder, the Anfield outfit might be best positioned to make the deal happen.

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Eze Ready for a Step Up

Eze’s desire to move to a club with European aspirations is understandable. Having spent four years at Selhurst Park, he’s shown that he can compete at the top level, and now he wants to test himself further. The report from Football Insider suggests that Eze has been inspired by the success of his former teammate Michael Olise, who made a high-profile switch to Bayern Munich, and now sees himself following a similar path to the top.

Liverpool reportedly expressed concrete interest in Eze during the recent summer transfer window, and that interest remains alive as they eye a potential move in 2025. While the £68 million release clause in Eze’s contract expired at the close of the summer window, it is expected to be reinstated next year, giving Liverpool clarity on the financial requirements of the deal.

Speaking about the potential move, a source close to the player noted: “Eze is looking for the next challenge. He wants to play at the highest level, and Liverpool represents that opportunity.”

Competition From Premier League Rivals

As much as Liverpool may be front-runners for Eze’s signature, the deal is far from straightforward. Tottenham Hotspur, who have been tracking the England international for over a year, are reported to have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place with Eze, though they remain concerned about the possibility of Arsenal or Manchester City swooping in. Both Arsenal and City have the financial clout and European pedigree to offer Eze similar opportunities, making this transfer saga one to watch closely.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool, however, may have a more pressing need for Eze’s talents. Their current No.10, Dominik Szoboszlai, has had an inconsistent start to his Liverpool career. Despite flashes of brilliance, Szoboszlai’s output in terms of goals and assists has been below what Slot expects from his attacking midfielders. Slot has openly addressed this in post-match interviews, noting: “I think something that we have to work on with him is that he’s also even more involved in scoring goals and creating chances for us.”

Photo: IMAGO

If Szoboszlai’s contributions do not improve, Eze could represent an ideal upgrade.

How Eze Fits Into Liverpool’s Plans

Eze’s versatility makes him a particularly attractive option for Liverpool. Not only can he operate effectively as an attacking midfielder, but he also has experience playing on the left wing. This flexibility could provide valuable cover in multiple positions, especially as Liverpool continue to compete on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.

Statistically, Eze had a strong 2023/24 season for Palace. He registered six goals and one assist in 15 Premier League appearances as an attacking midfielder, with an impressive goal contribution every 167.2 minutes. His numbers from the left wing were equally impressive, adding another five goals and two assists across nine appearances. This is in contrast to Liverpool’s current left winger, Luis Diaz, who managed eight goals and five assists across 35 Premier League appearances last season.

Photo: IMAGO

With Eze’s proven track record in both roles, he could be the key to unlocking even greater potential in Liverpool’s forward line. Arne Slot’s high-intensity, pressing style of play would also likely suit Eze’s dynamic and creative approach.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, the prospect of Eze joining Liverpool is an exciting one. His ability to change games, his flair on the ball, and his versatility would add a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. Eze has consistently performed at a high level for Crystal Palace, and the idea of him linking up with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez in a Liverpool shirt is tantalising.

Many fans feel that Eze represents the kind of player who could thrive at Anfield, particularly under Arne Slot’s demanding, high-standards philosophy. Slot has already shown that he can push players to their maximum potential, and Eze’s desire to play at the highest level suggests he would be more than up for the challenge.

With Tottenham, Arsenal, and Manchester City all in the mix, securing Eze’s signature won’t be easy. But if Liverpool can pull it off, it would be a statement signing, showing that the club remains a force to be reckoned with on the transfer market. After a summer where they missed out on several top targets, landing Eze would be a huge morale boost for the club and its supporters.