Manchester City could be gearing up for another attempt to secure Crystal Palace’s star player, Eberechi Eze, as a secret release clause in his contract is set to become active once again.
Eze caught the eye of Pep Guardiola’s squad this summer, but a deal never materialized. Instead, City opted for Brazilian winger Savinho from Troyes and did not make an official bid for the talented England international. Those in the market for Eze knew he would come with a hefty price tag, including a £68 million release clause—comprising a £60 million base fee and an additional £8 million in potential add-ons.
As it stands, that clause has now expired, and Eze will remain at Selhurst Park until at least January unless clubs engage in negotiations with Palace. However, according to reports from MailOnline, this situation could change next summer when the release clause reactivates at the same value, potentially giving City and other interested clubs another chance to acquire him. There are even hints that Palace might be willing to entertain offers lower than the stipulated amount.
Eze’s contract is currently valid until 2027, and Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his surprise at the lack of interest in the player during the recent transfer window. “I was really worried from a club point of view about losing Michael and Ebbs in the same window, and we didn’t have the interest in Ebbs that I thought we would have,” Parish told Sky Sports News. “I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer and an outstanding person.”
Since joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020, Eze has made a significant impact, netting 28 goals in 128 appearances. Should he leave in the near future, he would join a list of forwards who have exited the club.
In the summer, fellow forward Michael Olise signed with Bayern Munich for £50 million, while Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard departed for Leicester, the former on a free transfer and the latter on loan. Additionally, Eddie Nketiah made a move from Arsenal to bolster the squad.
In a further encouraging sign for City, Parish has indicated that he is open to negotiations with clubs competing in the Champions League. “We’re proud of the fact that Michael Olise’s gone to Bayern Munich,” he said. “We want to be selling to the top clubs or clubs like Newcastle, who have great aspirations and have recently been in the Champions League. We need to manage all of those factors. We won’t attract great young talent if they think they’re going to be stuck here.”
