Report: Spurs eye record deal before key clause expires

Tottenham Hotspur’s admiration for Eberechi Eze has escalated, with the north London club strongly weighing up a summer swoop for the Crystal Palace star. As reported by TeamTalk, Eze is now firmly on Spurs’ radar as they seek creativity and dynamism under new manager Thomas Frank.

The 26-year-old England international has shone consistently for Palace since his £20 million move from QPR in 2020. In 167 appearances, he has contributed to 68 goals, comprising 40 strikes and 28 assists. This attacking output has earned him 11 England caps and a growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most elusive and intelligent creators.

Spurs’ admiration has long been suggested, but Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed it in a concise 17-word update. “Tottenham love Eze, he’s on the list for sure. But no final decision has been made yet,” Romano told Givemesport.

The player’s current contract situation is highly relevant. With just two years remaining on his Selhurst Park deal, he has a £68 million release clause that expires in mid-August. This clause places a time-sensitive urgency on any deal, and Spurs are said to be considering activating it before its deadline.

While £68 million would break Tottenham’s existing transfer record, reports suggest Palace could be willing to negotiate. Transfer journalist Paul O’Keefe shared on social media that the Eagles might accept structured payments of £20 million across three instalments. That scenario would reduce the financial shock and increase feasibility for Spurs.

Eze’s potential move has also been viewed favourably by new manager Thomas Frank. After failing in a push to bring Bryan Mbeumo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank is said to have personally endorsed Eze as an alternative solution. The former Brentford boss sees Eze as a player capable of transforming Spurs’ attacking patterns and reestablishing their place among the Premier League’s elite.

What makes this link especially intriguing is that Eze reportedly prefers a move to Spurs over Arsenal. With both north London clubs scouting attacking reinforcements, Spurs could benefit from this preference, tilting negotiations in their favour.

Former Manchester United defender and respected pundit Rio Ferdinand has been among those to champion Eze’s rise. Speaking to TNT Sports earlier this year, Ferdinand described the Palace playmaker as ready to step up.

“His journey has been unique. He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself. He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international,” Ferdinand said.

“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance, he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play. I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].

“If you look at the size of him, he’s got the strength and power to go with it. Again, you’ve got to get out on the pitch and you’ve got to be available.”

Those comments add weight to the belief that Eze is destined for a higher stage. Given Tottenham’s need for flair and consistency in attacking midfield, this could be the right moment for both player and club.

One crucial aspect of this potential deal is the timing. As TeamTalk noted, Eze’s release clause remains active only until mid-August. After that date, Palace will be entitled to refuse any offer, no matter how sizeable. This adds urgency to Tottenham’s pursuit and could see negotiations accelerate in the coming weeks.

Fraser Fletcher, TeamTalk’s transfer correspondent, believes the cost of the deal could climb further if Spurs delay. Acting swiftly could ensure Tottenham land a priority target before being drawn into a bidding war or risk Palace holding firm post-deadline.

Given Eze’s influence, physicality and technical gift, it is no surprise that Spurs are ready to spend big. Whether they choose to trigger the clause or negotiate an instalment-based fee, this is a transfer that would define their summer.

From a Spurs supporter’s perspective, this rumour is exciting and entirely logical. Eze is not only a proven Premier League performer but one with room to grow. Tottenham’s biggest issue last season was consistency in the final third, particularly against low-block teams. Eze’s profile — a player who can operate between the lines, beat defenders one-on-one, and link play — fits this need precisely.

More than just flair, Eze offers substance. His strength and availability, as noted by Rio Ferdinand, are just as crucial as his skillset. This is not a luxury signing, it is a necessity for a club trying to build a top-four calibre squad.

Financially, the reported three-part payment plan would be a smart compromise. A £68 million lump sum would break the club’s record, but spacing it out reduces risk. With the release clause expiring mid-August, Spurs fans will hope Daniel Levy acts decisively. It would be deeply frustrating to lose such a clear talent because of delayed boardroom action.

This transfer would show ambition, back Thomas Frank early, and give Tottenham a player capable of winning matches on his own. For supporters, that’s all they’ve been asking for.