The mega Man United and Crystal Palace transfer swap deal that could gatecrash Arsenal's summer signing party
Man Utd have been linked with a key Palace player
Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the representatives of highly-coveted England international Eberechi Eze's ahead of a potential transfer in the summer window. That’s according to speculation from Caught Offside, which claims that United could look to try and prise Eze away from Selhurst Park before the window closes.
Eze scored 14 and assisted 11 times for the Eagles last season and was a catalyst in helping the club secure their first ever major silverware by scoring against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. He’s gone from strength to strength with each passing season in the capital and on current form is on course to be one of England’s regular starters in the run-up to the World Cup in North America.
The 27-year-old is blessed with incredible speed, vision, technique and an impressive ability to glide past defenders with ease. He can play on the left-side of attack but is more often deployed in a central attacking midfield role behind striker Jean Phillipe-Mateta. He’s been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer but it’s also believed that Manchester City are keeping tabs on the player alongside the Red Devils.
Why Manchester United are interested in Eberechi Eze
Manchester United play a 3-4-2-1 formation which essentially sees them play with two No.10s behind one natural centre forward. Summer signing Matheus Cunha is expected to slot into one of those creative midfield roles. He has the attributes to slip into Ruben Amorim’s system like a glove after playing in the same kind of set-up at Wolves, while it’s not yet certain how the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee will fit into the picture. Star man and top scorer Bruno Fernandes, could be deployed in a deeper role to try and utilise his range of passing and composure in possession to facilitate attacks.
It’s suspected that United could target Eze due to his flair, creativity and ability to play as a No.10. It’s worth noting that at this stage, Crystal Palace also play the same formation as United just to greater effect based on last season anyway. Eze is believed to have a release clause of around £68m but Palace are determined to keep him on board ahead of their first ever European campaign. In 2023, he signed an extension keeping him at the club until 2027, so the Eagles won’t be forced to sell this summer but could consider offers based on the fact he’ll be in his final year next term and his value could depreciate at 28-years-of-age.
The intriguing swap deal Man Utd could look to strike with Crystal Palace
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to leave Manchester United this summer. He was heavily linked with a move away from the club in January, with Napoli and Chelsea showing interest, but United opted not to sell with their valuation not being reached. The 21-year-old Argentinian scored 11 and provided 10 assists in 58 appearances last season, which while statistically being not too dissimilar to Eberechi Eze doesn’t tell the full story as he lacked consistency, particularly under Amorim.
Garnacho is a top talent that’s yet to realise his full potential. He’s played eight times for World Cup holders Argentina, has won the League Cup, Copa America and FA Cup - scoring in the final of the latter. However, it’s plain to see that he doesn’t suit the United system and probably needs a move to realise his full potential. As of yet, United’s valuation has not been met for Garnacho but it could potentially make sense for them to instead try and use him in a swap deal to get someone that might fit like Eze.
It’s a deal which would probably see United as the initiators put some money forward with Garnacho as a makeweight in the deal. However, it’s worth noting that Palace would then have to adjust their system slightly to accommodate Garnacho, and assess whether the 21-year-old even wants the move. Palace may also prefer getting a large sum of money upfront for Eze and picking their own replacement as opposed to United doing it for them. But it’s just a potential option that the Red Devils could look to take to try and boost their squad ahead of the new season.