Despite swirling transfer speculation, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that both Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi will start in the club's upcoming Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad. The match is scheduled for Thursday night at Selhurst Park.
Eze's Potential Move to Tottenham
Eze has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur throughout the summer. Recent reports suggest that Spurs have reached a verbal agreement with Crystal Palace on a transfer fee for the talented midfielder. The fee is reportedly around $75 million plus potential add-ons. Eze is thought to be keen on the move to Tottenham. It is understood that there has been a breakthrough in talks with Tottenham willing to pay around €63.5m for Eze, with a further €5.8m in add-ons. Eze would become Spurs' record signing if those add-ons are met.
Tottenham are looking to finalize the transfer before this weekend's game against Manchester City. For Eze to be eligible to play against Manchester City, Tottenham would need to register him before 12pm on Friday, August 22.
However, Eze's participation in the Conference League for Crystal Palace would not prevent him from playing in the Champions League for Tottenham this season. UEFA regulations allow a player to represent more than one club in their competitions per season, under certain circumstances. Since Crystal Palace's clash with Fredrikstad is a play-off, Eze will be eligible to play in the Champions League for Tottenham, should he sign.
In anticipation of Eze's departure, Crystal Palace is reportedly eyeing Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss as a potential replacement. Palace have approached Leicester City to discuss a possible deal for El Khannouss, with the deal being mooted around £30m plus add-ons. The 21-year-old has informed Leicester of his desire to join Palace. Crystal Palace are also interested in Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis.
Guehi's Links to Liverpool
Marc Guehi has also been the subject of transfer interest, with Liverpool reportedly keen on signing the England centre-back. Liverpool have opened talks with Palace over a deal for Guehi. Guehi has less than a year left on his Palace contract, and the club is open to selling, but are holding firm on their £45m valuation. Liverpool are unwilling to go above £35m for the centre-back, and it is that £10m difference that is behind the stalling of negotiations.
Despite the transfer talks, Guehi remains committed to Crystal Palace. Guehi is to start Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League match on Thursday despite Liverpool's transfer pursuit. Glasner confirmed Guehi would be in his starting lineup on Thursday amid talks with Liverpool over a transfer.
Similar to Eze, Guehi's participation in the Conference League will not affect his eligibility to play in the Champions League for another club.
Glasner's Comments
Glasner has emphasized the commitment of both players to Crystal Palace. He stated that it is the duty of a player to give 100% as long as he is under contract. Glasner also said that they are committed to the team, and they will play a crucial part as long as they are here.
Palace's Summer Activity
Crystal Palace have had an eventful start to the 2025/26 season, winning the Community Shield title after defeating Liverpool. They kicked off their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
In terms of confirmed transfers, Palace have signed Walter Benitez from PSV on a free transfer and Borna Sosa from Ajax for a reported fee of £3m.
The club has also seen several departures, including Jeffrey Schlupp to Celtic on a free transfer, Joel Ward released, and Ben Chilwell returning to Chelsea after his loan spell ended.
