Crystal Palace Sign Eze On Five-Year Deal

Premier League club Crystal Palace have completed the signing of England-born Nigerian midfielder Eberechi Eze from 
QPR for a five-year deal believed that could rise to £20m, Completesports.com reports.

Crystal Palace announced Eze’s signing in a statement released on their official website on Friday.

Eze, who scored 14 goals in 46 appearances for QPR last season, had also attracted interest from Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle.

Also Read: Gerrard: Balogun Fit To Face Hamilton Academical, Aribo Still Out

Palace previously had bids of £8m and £12m for Eze rejected, with QPR manager Mark Warburton making clear the player would only leave if the club’s £20m valuation was met. 

“Eberechi Eze has signed a five-year contract with Crystal Palace F.C., becoming the club’s second arrival of the summer 2020 transfer window,” the statement from Palace read.

“South London born Eze, 22, has risen through the ranks at Queens Park Rangers after joining them in 2016. An FA Cup debut followed in January 2017 and later that year, Eze made 22 appearances in a half-season loan to Wycombe Wanderers.

“Then still a teenager, the attack-minded youngster played a key role in the Chairboys’ promotion to League One that season, scoring five goals – including a brace against Cambridge United.

“On his return to QPR, Eze established himself as a regular first-team player, being awarded the No.10 shirt and a three-year contract in 2018. He leaves the Hoops with 20 goals from 112 senior games, collecting Supporters’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Junior Hoops Player of the Year last season as well as being shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year.

“Internationally, Eze has represented England at both Under-20 and Under-21 level, and was named in the latest U21 squad earlier this week.”

And commenting on his move, Eze said: “As a football club, I feel like there are great players here and it’s a brilliant opportunity for me to come and be with these players, to link up with them and to really push on.”

And according to Crystal Palace Chairman, Steve Parish: “Eberechi is a player whose development we have followed closely. We are delighted he has chosen to sign for us over the other clubs that were interested and we feel that this is the right club for him to continue his development.

“With our Academy recently securing Category 1 status, this further illustrates our focus on youth as we look to consolidate and improve upon our position as a Premier League club.”

By James Agberebi