A general overall aerial view of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tottenham Hotspur’s move for star could hit standstill

By Matt Evans | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:49 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur is stepping up its efforts to sign Eberechi Eze, but negotiations with Crystal Palace remain finely poised.

Spurs’ pursuit of the midfielder has reached a decisive stage, with Palace unwilling to sanction the completion of a deal until it secures a replacement.

Personal terms between Eze and Tottenham are understood to be agreed, and the 27-year-old is eager to make the move, viewing the opportunity to play Champions League football under new head coach Thomas Frank as a natural next step.

A deal worth around £60M ($81M) is reportedly being discussed between the clubs, but progress remains tied to Palace’s ability to bring in a successor.

Manager Oliver Glasner has been clear in his stance, stressing that Eze remains central to his plans until a replacement is in place. With two years left on his contract and his release clause no longer active, Palace is under no financial pressure to sell, giving it strong leverage.

Glasner even confirmed he expects Eze to feature in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League clash against Fredrikstad.

Palace has turned its attention to potential replacements, with Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss at the top of its short list. Talks are ongoing over a deal worth around £30M plus add-ons ($40M+).

Leicester, now in the Championship, remains under pressure to raise funds to satisfy profit and sustainability regulations, and is prepared to cash in on the 21-year-old to support new manager Marti Cifuentes’ rebuild.

Another target is Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis. Palace is willing to pay in the vicinity of €30M ($35M), but the Belgian club is holding out for a higher fee after the Greek international signed a new four-year deal in July. Brugge’s involvement in Champions League qualifiers further complicates the timing of any potential exit.

The situation leaves Palace in a holding pattern. It is open to selling Eze, but only once it is confident of securing a replacement. For Tottenham, it means a deal many expected to be wrapped up swiftly now risks drifting into late-window uncertainty, with progress dependent on Palace’s recruitment work.

Eze is viewed as a marquee addition for Frank’s first season, a creative force capable of easing the burden left by James Maddison’s long-term injury and strengthening Spurs’ attacking options.

Yet, unless Palace moves quickly in the market, Tottenham’s move for one of its top summer targets could stall as the clock ticks toward deadline day.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports. Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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