Crystal Palace are preparing for the expected departure of star Eberechi Eze with the club sorting out his replacement before the transfer window shuts.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Spurs are closing in on a deal for Eze, beating interest from their North London rivals Arsenal.
Eze looked to be waving goodbye to Palace fans following the Eagles’ 0-0 draw at Chelsea in their first Premier League match of the season.
Spurs need a replacement for James Maddison after he suffered a long-term injury in pre-season, but Crystal Palace will only sanction a move for Eze once a replacement has been sourced.
Wolves star eyed as Eze replacement
Oliver Glasner has only signed two players so far in the window, and Palace’s transfer plans took a hit when the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] ruled that the could would be demoted from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules.
Palace are therefore leaving their transfer business late to sign a replacement for Eze and The Sun, [18 August], revealed that they’re interested in Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.
Hwang had an injury disrupted campaign last time out, but had previously impressed under Gary O’Neil at Molineux.
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Palace are exploring a season long loan for the 29-year-old and are also monitoring Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis.
Hwang alone can’t replace Eze
Football Insider Verdict
Palace have the difficulty in replacing Eze, if as expected, he does depart before the end of the window.
Replacing the goals, creativity and flair Eze brings to the Palace side may take more than one signing.
On a loan, Hwang may be a smart signing as he managed 12 Premier League goals for Wolves in the 2023/24 campaign before injuries hampered his chances in the team last season.
The South Korean is versatile across the front line and will be keen to prove a point after missing plenty of match action.
Hwang though cannot replace Eze, and they’re a different type of player, so bringing in an El Khannouss or Tzolis would be good business by Palace.
With Marc Guehi also heavily linked with a move away, Glasner is set to have a hectic end to the window and with their first Europa Conference League tie looming, Palace need to add further depth to their squad.