Spurs make £68m “superstar” their top target, he’s a dream Maddison upgrade
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been nothing short of unpredictable. While fans will forever remember the club’s triumphant Europa League campaign, the same cannot be said about their dismal Premier League form.
Despite the injury crisis that plagued the squad, the poor domestic performance can’t simply be overlooked. Now, the onus falls on Daniel Levy and the club’s recruitment team to rebuild intelligently and avoid a repeat of this chaotic season.
One of the most impactful ways to do that is through precise player acquisitions, and early indications suggest Spurs are targeting significant reinforcements.
One such target appears to be Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Reports claim Spurs have identified the English international as their top transfer priority, which may spell trouble for James Maddison’s long-term prospects in North London.
Eze’s name has repeatedly surfaced in transfer news, and unlike other speculative links, this one carries serious weight. Football Transfers have even gone as far as stating that Eze tops Tottenham’s wishlist this summer.
The 26-year-old’s release clause reportedly sits at £68 million—a substantial investment, but one many consider justified given his attacking contributions and versatility.
Eze has impressed with Crystal Palace, not only for his technical ability but also for his knack for stepping up in big moments, including lifting the FA Cup this season. The move may come at a high cost, but for a player of his caliber, the return could be even higher—on and off the pitch.
In contrast to other players on Spurs’ radar like Xavi Simons, whose fee is around £65 million, and Angel Gomes, who could join on a free transfer, Eze stands out not just in value but in effectiveness.
While Simons produced 11 goals and 8 assists for a struggling RB Leipzig side, and Gomes offers depth with experience, Eze appears to be the complete package—someone who can raise the quality of the squad immediately.
If Tottenham proceed with this transfer, it’s clear that Maddison’s role will come under scrutiny. Both players occupy similar positions on the pitch, with attacking midfield being their primary role.
Though Eze has played out wide, he has spent most of the 2024/25 season operating centrally, which would directly overlap with Maddison’s preferred position. A deeper look at their season stats paints a compelling picture of why Spurs might be considering the Palace star as an upgrade.
| Statistic | Eberechi Eze | James Maddison |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 | 45 |
| Goals | 14 | 12 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
| Goal Involvements/Game | 1 every 1.72 | 1 every 1.95 |
| Non-Penalty Expected G+A (per 90) | 0.52 | 0.50 |
| Progressive Passes (per 90) | 3.37 | 8.16 |
| Progressive Passes Received (90) | 5.31 | 4.73 |
| Progressive Carries (per 90) | 2.36 | 2.24 |
| Shots (per 90) | 3.48 | 1.94 |
| Shots on Target (per 90) | 0.94 | 0.85 |
| Key Passes (per 90) | 2.01 | 2.04 |
| Shot-Creating Actions (per 90) | 4.69 | 4.73 |
| Tackles (per 90) | 1.35 | 1.54 |
| Blocks (per 90) | 0.94 | 0.74 |
| Successful Take-Ons (per 90) | 2.33 | 1.64 |
| Ball Recoveries (per 90) | 5.07 | 3.78 |
Stats via FBref for the 2024/25 Domestic Season
These numbers suggest that while Maddison edges Eze in progressive passes and shot-creating actions, Eze matches or exceeds him in nearly every other attacking metric.
The Palace midfielder attempts and completes more dribbles, takes more shots, hits the target more often, and is slightly more efficient in expected goal contributions without penalties.
He also recovers the ball more and wins more duels in dangerous areas, traits that reflect both his technical and physical superiority in many facets of the game.
Analyst Ben Mattinson called Eze a “superstar” following Palace’s FA Cup victory, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to argue otherwise. At 26, he’s two years younger than Maddison and still appears to be climbing toward his peak.
Given how Spurs underperformed in the Premier League, despite Maddison’s contributions, a player like Eze may be seen as the spark they desperately need.
With the transfer window now open, Tottenham have a crucial opportunity to reshape the squad and redefine their ambitions. If they can finalize a deal for Eze, it could mark the beginning of a new creative era under Ange Postecoglou.
Though Maddison remains a valuable asset, competition at the highest level is essential—and Spurs must prioritize players who not only fit their system but also elevate it.
Tottenham fans may remember this past season for their European glory, but club executives must ensure the Premier League campaign that accompanied it remains a one-off mistake, not a pattern. Bringing in someone like Eze would be a bold step in the right direction.