Unveiling the Secret: Liverpool’s Interest in Eberechi Eze Emerges as Man Utd Contemplate a Possible Bid
In the past week, Crystal Palace’s talented midfielder Eberechi Eze has emerged as a target for both Manchester United and Liverpool. While his exceptional technical skills and goal-scoring abilities have caught the attention of the clubs, there is an intriguing additional reason behind their interest in the player.
Eze’s remarkable performances during the latter part of the 2022/23 season not only earned him accolades but also his first England cap in a resounding 4-0 victory against Malta. The Greenwich-born midfielder showcased his scintillating form, particularly under Roy Hodgson’s successful two-month tenure, where he netted six out of his ten Premier League goals.
These impressive displays have inevitably linked Eze with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. Furthermore, sources from Give Me Sport have suggested that Manchester United view Eze as a potential alternative to Mason Mount.
However, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the interest from Liverpool and Manchester United in Eze. A practical reason behind their pursuit of the midfielder lies in the clubs’ respective needs for homegrown players.
Liverpool, in particular, have a requirement to sign homegrown talent this summer, given the anticipated departures of several non-homegrown players. While the exits of Arthur, Roberto Firmino, and Naby Keita will open up three non-homegrown spots in Liverpool’s Premier League squad, the departures of James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will reduce the homegrown tally to five.
Although Curtis Jones, who was previously in the under-21 category, will now count towards Liverpool’s homegrown quota, the potential departures of Caoimhin Kelleher and Nat Phillips could further reduce the club’s homegrown contingent to just four by the end of the summer transfer window.
This scenario poses a challenge for Liverpool, as it would limit their squad size to 21 players unless they secure additional homegrown talent, such as Eberechi Eze, during their summer business.
To shed light on the situation, it is crucial to understand the Premier League’s homegrown rule, implemented in 2008. This regulation mandates that teams must have a minimum number of players who have either progressed through their own youth academy or another English club’s academy.
A homegrown player, as defined by the Premier League, is someone who has been registered with any FA-affiliated club for a minimum of three years before their 21st birthday, irrespective of nationality. At the conclusion of each transfer window, every Premier League team must submit a squad list with a maximum of 25 players.
Out of these 25 players, a minimum of eight must be homegrown, effectively limiting the club to a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players. If a club fails to meet the quota of eight homegrown players, their squad size is reduced accordingly. For instance, if a club hypothetically possesses only six homegrown players, they would be limited to naming a 23-man squad.
In light of this context, it becomes apparent why Liverpool and Manchester United are eyeing Eberechi Eze. His homegrown status would provide a valuable solution to Liverpool’s potential shortfall in meeting the Premier League’s homegrown player requirement, while also catering to Manchester United’s interest in bolstering their squad with talented domestic players.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, the pursuit of Eze by both clubs is not solely fueled by his undeniable talent and potential but also by the practical implications of the homegrown rule. Whether Eze will ultimately make a move to either Liverpool or Manchester United remains to be seen, but the alignment of their interests in acquiring a homegrown player of his caliber is a significant factor to consider.