According to a recent report by The Daily Mail, Queens Park Rangers attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze’s £20m price-tag could be ‘a stumbling block’ for Newcastle United after they identified him as a potential target for the summer transfer window. The same source has also stated that the Magpies are facing competition from West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the English prospect this summer.
Eze’s Impressive Form In The Championship
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant season at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium (Loftus Road) following a series of eye-catching displays under the stewardship of Mark Warburton. He had netted 12 goals and provided eight assists in 39 matches for the London outfit this term in multiple competitions, which highlight his incredible impact in the EFL Championship before the football world has come to a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eze has been quite consistent with his performances for QPR this season as evidenced by his average of 1.2 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 2.4 shots, 1.9 key passes, 3.0 dribbles and 1.3 crosses in every 90 minutes of league football so far. He has hardly been sloppy with his ball-distribution after completing 86.4% of his attempted passes in the Championship (stats via whoscored).
The former Arsenal youth player has also represented England at various youth levels and is currently an important member of his country’s Under-21 set-up, having appeared in two matches for them thus far. Maybe a switch to the Premier League this summer could provide him with a bigger platform to showcase his talents in the upcoming campaign and catch the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the UEFA European Championship finals next year.
What Does The English Starlet Offer On The Pitch?
Eze can use his quickness and agility to complete some dangerous dribbles towards the opposition penalty box. He is also not afraid to work hard for his side and has proven himself to be a consistent goal-scorer and assist-maker in the English second tier. The youngster is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also fill in as a box to box midfielder or play as a left-sided winger if needed. However, the jury is still out on whether he can maintain his high standards in the Premier League, where his lack of strength and technique might be exposed.
Eze’s £20m Price-Tag Set To Be A Stumbling Block: Big Blow For The Magpies?
Eze would have not only added more goals and creativity to Steve Bruce’s attack but also enhanced the overall quality of his senior squad. Plus, he would have also offered some healthy competition for the likes of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu at St. James’ Park next season. Hence, Eze’s price-tag will be a big blow for the Tyneside giants as they cannot afford to compete for his signature this summer.
Like many clubs, Newcastle will struggle to fork out £20m for a player, who is yet to prove himself at the highest level, under the dire economic conditions of the current transfer market. The Magpies will have to find a way to look at cheaper alternatives rather than put all their faith on the QPR rising star ahead of the new campaign.
