Crystal Palace identify Championship star Pep Guardiola was 'impressed' by as Eberechi Eze replacement

Crystal Palace are said to be interested in a move for a Championship creative midfielder to replace Eberechi Eze if he departs. It has been a strange summer of business for Palace so far, with Oliver Glasner voicing his frustration over the lack of a proactive approach to recruitment.

The club seem to have been waiting for the verdict on their European participation before making moves, but that did not impress Glasner. He said recently: “It’s nothing to do with Europe. Dougie was here last year and we had late signings. He’s not here this year and hopefully, we have signings, but they will be late again. You can’t run a business where you are always reacting if you want long-term success. You have to be active and plan. You can’t say we will wait and then

“It’s not that I want investment, it’s about Crystal Palace. With my expertise, it’s my advice that this is what Crystal Palace should do to be competitive in four competitions. If someone thinks that’s nonsense, let’s see. That’s it. It’s not that I’m saying sign three players because then Oliver Glasner is happy – I will go home and be happy today. The weather is nice, the players who are here work excellently, we have a great spirit in the group and everything is fine.

“I just say, if we want to play four competitions at the best possible level and for Crystal Palace to make the next step and be better than last season, then this is my advice to sign at least two players so that we can achieve this. If Crystal Palace want to play European football, wants to play four competitions, wants to climb the Premier League table and reproduce the success again, it is just what you have to do.

“It’s not about me being happy or fulfilling my wishes, nothing at all. I had a good summer, good pre-season, love the players and staff who are here, love the club and fans. With 32 years in football, this is what I believe Crystal Palace need to be competitive.”

Palace are now at risk of losing Eze a week or two into the season, and they will then have to find a replacement at short notice, which is likely to cost them more than if they had gone out and found a replacement in anticipation of the England international leaving.

One player who could be a cheaper option, though, is Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss, who was one of the few shining lights during Leicester’s miserable campaign of last.

El Khannouss is an attacking midfielder joined Leicester from Genk in 2024, and he is still only 21 years of age. After a bright performance against Manchester City last season, he said: “He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today. I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now. I think it was my best performance since I’ve been here. But I’m not impressed because this is the Bilal I know. I’m really confident. I’m enjoying the game and enjoying the day because we have the best job in the world, to play football.”

According to Football Insider, Palace could move for El Khannouss if Eze does end up leaving, and there is confidence a deal could be done despite the player’s £30million release clause having lapsed ahead of the start of the new Championship season. If Palace can get El Khannouss for around £30-£35million, they would be pocketing a big profit, given Eze is likely to go for around £60million.

More praise for El Khannouss

Former Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy praised El Khannouss during his time in charge last season, saying after one game: “It was a great performance [from El Khannouss]. He started off the left and linked up with [left back] Victor [Kristiansen] and played Jamie [Vardy] in.

“He played in the second half as more of a No 10 that’s where he joined in the break. [He has] those characteristics of winning the duels from a defensive block to get our players in.”

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