Eze showdown at Wembley could seal Etihad move as Guardiola plans summer shake-up
Published 13 May 2025
Manchester City are reportedly lining up a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with a transfer bid set to be made immediately after Saturday’s FA Cup final.
City are preparing for a big summer overhaul, and sources say Eze is right at the top of their shortlist – with the final potentially doubling up as a last-minute audition for the Palace playmaker.
Eze in the spotlight
The England international has been on Pep Guardiola’s radar for multiple seasons, and his standout campaign under Oliver Glasner – where he’s bagged 12 goals and 11 assists – has only increased City’s interest.
The former QPR man signed a new deal at Selhurst Park in 2023 that runs until 2027, but it includes a £60 million release clause – and now City are ready to trigger it if the 25-year-old delivers at Wembley.
🗣️ “City have been long-time admirers of Eze – and this could be the moment they make their move.”
FA Cup final… then straight to Etihad?
City face Palace in Saturday’s final at Wembley – a chance to close a stuttering season with silverware. They’re fourth in the league after a shock draw with Southampton but remain unbeaten since March.
Should Eze impress against them on the big stage, a formal offer could land within days as Guardiola eyes the next phase of his Etihad rebuild.
Replacing KDB?
City’s search for a successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to depart this summer, includes big names like Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. But Eze could offer a Premier League-proven option, while the club is also monitoring Morgan Gibbs-White, after his breakout year at Nottingham Forest.
Palace value Eze closer to £70 million, but with a £60m clause in place, City are ready to act – though they’ll face competition from Liverpool, Spurs, Newcastle and Aston Villa.
Eze vs City at Wembley. If he shines, he might not be wearing red and blue much longer.
