Why Eberechi Eze Could Be the Ideal Successor to Son Heung-min at Tottenham

Crystal Palace is undergoing significant changes as John Textor divests his shares in the club, paving the way for the Eagles to aim for a place in the Europa League for the 2025/26 season.

UEFA regulations indicated that the Premier League team, which clinched the FA Cup last season, faced potential exclusion from European competition due to Textor’s involvement with Ligue 1 club Lyon. However, this concern has seemingly been alleviated, although fans may not be thrilled by other speculations circulating around Selhurst Park.

Notably, FA Cup final hero Eberechi Eze has surfaced as a key target for Tottenham Hotspur, especially after Bryan Mbeumo, Thomas Frank’s top striker target, expressed a preference for a transfer to Manchester United.

The Red Devils appear to have increased their bid to over £60 million, which has seemingly intensified negotiations, compelling Spurs to explore other options to bolster their attacking lineup ahead of the upcoming season.

Eze’s Departure Would Be a Major Setback for Crystal Palace

Having recently seen Michael Olise depart to Bayern Munich, losing Eze, another star player, could be a setback from which the Eagles may struggle to recover. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect that Steve Parish and Oliver Glasner will impose a hefty transfer fee for his signature.

With Eze’s contract running until June 2027, it wouldn’t be surprising if the club holds any prospective buyers to his £68 million release clause.

Tottenham’s interest is justified, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Son Heung-Min’s future; there’s a genuine possibility that the club captain may leave this summer.

Eze, primarily a left-winger, would be a direct replacement, although both players can adapt to various attacking roles.

What Would Tottenham Gain from Eze?

During his 167 appearances for the Eagles, the English international has accumulated 40 goals and 29 assists (across the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup).

For comparison, that’s just six fewer goals than Crystal Palace’s top scorer over that period, centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has registered 46 goals.

In the same timeframe (2020/21 to 2024/25), Son’s output has been significantly higher, with 78 goals and 47 assists, although he has played 27 more matches in a side that has been particularly strong when Harry Kane was present.

While Eze’s 22.2% shot conversion rate may seem underwhelming, it’s worth noting Son’s is even lower at a mere 12.3%. While neither are strictly regarded as natural finishers, both contribute their fair share of goals.

Nonetheless, a striking contrast emerges in their shooting accuracy; Son boasts a 66.7% success rate, which is significantly better than Eze’s 47.5%. Should Eze become a long-term replacement for a player endeared by Spurs fans, he may soon feel their expectations.

Both players excel at linking up with teammates and possess a combination of precise passing and creativity. Of the 833 passes Son completed in the 24/25 Premier League season, 700 reached their target, achieving an impressive 84% accuracy rate.

Eze’s passing accuracy is slightly lower at 81.5%, having made 914 passes with 745 finding their recipient.

Defensively, Eze also surpasses Son, having made 75 interceptions compared to Son’s 56. Eze has successfully reclaimed possession on 770 occasions, while Son has done so 613 times.

Over the past four seasons, Eze has attempted 173 tackles, winning 93, resulting in a success rate that ranges from 33.3% to 66.7%. Son, on the other hand, has won 64 of his 120 tackles, reflecting a lower success rate that falls between 33.3% and 61.9%. One could argue that Son’s team dynamic has required him to engage less defensively than Eze in his role at Palace.

Should Daniel Levy Pursue Eze? Absolutely.

Beyond numerical analysis, Eze represents that rare calibre of player capable of thrilling supporters.

While Son once had that same magnetism, the fact that he’s reaching 33 years of age by the start of next season presents a different challenge for Spurs. If Palace is open to negotiations, it would be a missed opportunity for Daniel Levy not to fully pursue an athlete who has long attracted attention from several of Palace’s Premier League rivals as well as international clubs.