Crystal Palace have made their second signing of the summer, confirming the arrival of Eberechi Eze from Queens Park Rangers on a five-year deal.
The 22-year-old is the second player to join Palace this summer, following the arrival of Nathan Ferguson on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion.
Eberechi Eze Joins Crystal Palace
Made in south London. #CPFC pic.twitter.com/iioBGcXrPV
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 28, 2020
Championship Star
Eze’s electric performances in the Championship for QPR have seen him attract attention from several clubs this summer.
Palace have beaten off competition from London rivals Fulham and West Ham United, as well as West Brom and Leeds United.
The 22-year-old collected the QPR’s Supporters’ Player of the Year trophy for his performances in the 2019/20 campaign, as well as Player’s Player of the Year award. He scored 14 goals and registered eight assists in all competitions, as Mark Warburton’s side finished 13th in the Championship.
It was his consistently brilliant performances that also saw him nominated for the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Year trophy. However, he missed out on the award to Leeds United’s Luke Ayling.
His excellent displays recently saw him earn a call-up to the England U21 squad.
What Does This Mean for Crystal Palace?
Eze has been a long-term target for the Eagles. The South London club are looking to lower the average of their squad, which was the highest in the Premier League last season.
Traditionally, though, under Roy Hodgson, Palace have not played with an attacking central midfielder. Instead, they use three defensive midfielders, aiming to keep games compact and frustrate opponents.
As a result, the signing of Eze could mean a change in style for Palace. The 22-year-old prefers to operate as a number 10, and that is where his best performances have come from for QPR.
However, Roy Hodgson will ensure that he won’t be rushed into action, meaning he will be embedded slowly.
Main Photo
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