Are Manchester City poised to make a move for England international Eberechi Eze? The champions have so far been quiet during the summer transfer window. But a new report suggests that the champions may be about to make a move for Crystal Palace’s star midfielder.
A report in the Guardian suggests that Manchester City are among a host of clubs believed to be contemplating a move for Eze. The report suggests that Crystal Palace are bracing themselves for interest in their star midfielder. Furthermore, the Guardian reports that Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal are considering a move for Eze. The Guardian reports that a fee of over £60 million may be required for Crystal Palace to sell the England international.
A Manchester City move for Eze makes sense if Bernardo Silva departs the club.
It would appear that City will only make a move for a player like Eze if a key player were to depart the club this summer. As it stands no key players have departed the world champions. But that could change in a matter of days. A report from Steve Pearson for TeamTalk indicates that Bayern Munich intends to pay the release clause in Bernardo Silva’s contract. If Bernardo Silva was to move to Germany then City’s hand would be forced into the transfer market. Then a Manchester City move for Eberechi Eze would make sense.
Eze wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Bernardo Silva. That type of player doesn’t exist. Bernardo is one of City’s key pieces and he is a one-of-a-kind player. Replacing him would be no easy task for Manchester City. But if Bernardo was to depart the champions there would be a space available in Pep Guardiola’s squad. That’s where Eze could come into the equation. During his spell with Crystal Palace, he has shown himself to be one of the premier attacking midfielders in the Premier League. He also has the versatility to play in multiple roles across City’s front line. While he isn’t the same type of player as Bernardo he could do a similar role in his own way.
It would appear that City’s potential move for Eberechi Eze would depend on who departs the champions this summer. But if they do move for the England international it may suggest that someone is going to depart from the world champions this summer. What happens next may provide a clue as to what is about to take shape at City this summer if they do bid for Eze. It will be a story to watch for over the coming days to see if the report from the Guardian is on the mark.