The obvious Manchester United and Crystal Palace swap deal that would instantly help both clubs

This is the time of the transfer window when many managers are looking around for players who will make the key difference for their team in the upcoming season. Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is a man in high demand; the skilful midfielder is on the list of many top clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

He is just coming off helping England reach the Euro 2024 final in Germany and enjoyed another impressive season in south London where Crystal Palace finished an impressive 10th in the league table. United could stand a better chance of landing him if they offer a swap deal involving Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka has just one year left on his current deal at Old Trafford, and there are suggestions that he would stay on for just another season and walk away as a free agent next summer.

So, with all the possible outcomes, here is why a cash-plus-player deal could be beneficial to everyone involved. For Palace, they get back a player who came through the ranks, became a fan favourite, and deservedly earned his big-money move.

His return would instantly bolster Palace’s defence, providing them with a reliable and tenacious defender who excels in one-on-one situations. His tackling ability and defensive awareness would be invaluable assets for Oliver Glasner, who has introduced a brilliant attacking footballing since his arrival at Selhurst Park.

Manchester United, on the other hand, get one of the most highly sought-after players in the league and genuinely one of the most skilful at the right age, ready to take his game to the next level. Ten Hag loves a midfielder who has dynamism, and not many in the game have that. Eze, at the age of 25, will provide the right balance of what they need in terms of playing through the lines and being able to count on a special player capable of producing something extraordinary.

On the financial scale, it works out well for Crystal Palace, who are in a position to command a decent fee for the former QPR man while also getting a player who significantly improves their backline and understands what it means to play for the club. Wilfried Zaha, the club’s all-time top scorer, also followed a similar path. He first went to Manchester United, and when things didn’t work out, he returned home to be an absolute hero at the club for a very long time.

For Manchester United, it helps the team stay within the strict financial terms that have engulfed the Premier League lately, as they would not have to break the bank for Eze, given they would be offering a player as part of the deal. With points deductions handed out last season for breaches of Profit and Sustainability rules, it’s always a good idea to think outside the box for ways to adequately strengthen while operating within the financial limits set out.