Tottenham Hotspur were linked so heavily with one Premier League player that his club had a replacement ready to go just in case the move went through. But, it never happened.
Palace expected Eze move
Of the many names suggested as Tottenham transfer targets over the summer, Eberechi Eze was perhaps the strongest link of them all.
The playmaker was earmarked as the kind of player Spurs needed, it was thought Eze himself was keen on the switch, and Crystal Palace made it very clear exactly how much he would cost, too.
But, the transfer window closed, and Eze stayed put. Now, though, it has been revealed that Palace were so sure a move was coming that they had a ready-made replacement lined up.
A report from the Daily Mail discusses the matter, suggesting Palace fully expected Eze to move on, and had eyed up PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko as his successor.
It appears Palace were well prepared to lose another key player, after seeing Michael Olise move on, too, and were not willing to take any chances in the market by being left short of creativity.
In the end, neither player moved on, and both have got off to good starts for their clubs so far this season.
Eze could move in 2025
According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs still very much appreciate Eze but never made a firm offer for the Palace star, and did not try to trigger his £68m release clause.
However, a report from the Daily Mail earlier this week claimed that release clause, which expired last month, will be active again next summer.
Spurs Web Opinion
Bakayoko would have been a great replacement for Eze, and it’s clear that Palace are making shrewd moves in the transfer market of late.
I think they will obviously be happy to keep Eze, but missing out on nearly £70m that they were expecting to receive probably was a bit of a blow.
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