Eze scored the winning goal in the FA Cup finalEze scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final
Eze scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final | AFP via Getty Images
Crystal Palace are FA Cup champions, but they may still be forced to lose one of their best players.
Oliver Glasner’s men are back in Premier League action on Tuesday night, but celebrations likely carried late into Saturday night, and more celebrations will surely be planned for after the end of the Premier League season, which is next weekend.
Glasner said after the game: “The game was so tough. Nobody expected Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup, but you can see what you can get when you are patient as a club, so it is a big credit to the supporters. We had a very bad start and usually fans get impatient, but our fans have always supported us. We were lucky a few times today, but when you always stick together in difficult moments, you deserve it.
“I get a feeling from a group of players and I got a feeling in the winter that we could achieve incredible things. We have great characters, such a togetherness, a work ethic and a strong environment and atmosphere, and this is fundamental for achieving impossible things. The biggest success we can have is not lifting the trophy but giving our fans a moment for their lives. It is a special win for this club, for our fans and for everyone connected to Crystal Palace.”
Once the celebrations are done, Palace will have the tricky job of negotiating the summer transfer window, which is likely to see a number of their key stars attract attention from other clubs. It’s now going to be easier for Palace to keep some of those players, both in terms of convincing them to stay and financially due to the presence of Europa League football.
But there will be some tricky situations to navigate, including that of FA Cup final match-winner Eze, who is likely to attract serious interest after another stellar campaign. Palace will battle to keep him, but if Eze goes, Palace will need to find a replacement, and they might have bumped into a possible replacement on Saturday.
Ideal Eze replacement
An Eze departure is not ideal by nature, but if a club offers a huge fee, Palace may be forced to consider the deal for the good of their future, although should Marc Guehi leave, for example, it’s unlikely the Eagles will agree another high profile sale, and Eze does have a unique connection to the club.
But if he does go, Palace should consider signing Manchester United’s now out of favour winger Jack Grealish. The England international needs a career restart having struggled for fitness and form this season. Guardiola said earlier in the spring: "Of course I want the best Jack, but he's had setbacks. Sometimes he didn't play, but sometimes that's for the injuries. You cannot get the rhythm that you need to be ready every three days."
Asked about Grealish’s drunken night out during a day off, Guardiola responded: “They (the players) know what they have to do. No training, they're in their private life, they will do whatever they want. I'm not going to control what they do in their private life," Guardiola continued on Grealish. I judge, we have to see with the pitch, the training sessions and the performance in the game. That's what I judge the players on."
It’s no secret Grealish likes to get loose in his personal life, but to his credit, he has always been professional when on the job, which is what Guardiola alludes to. The English international spent the whole FA Cup final on the bench despite City clearly needing a creative spark.
It’s likely Grealish will be available this summer, and for a reported fee of around £40million. Palace could replace Eze with a similar player - in terms of positioning and technique - and for £20million or so less than their star man would likely go for.
This Glasner team can afford mavericks. It is based on an extremely hard-working core and the sprinkle of quality at the top end of the pitch. Grealish could work wonders in a free role at Selhurst Park, and he would bring with him experience of success - and European success.
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