Crystal Palace will be delighted with how the summer transfer window went with plenty of exciting arrivals and only a few disappointing exits.
For the Eagles, this summer has been as much about retaining key players as adding to the talented group currently at Crystal Palace.
Michael Olise was sold to Bayern Munich, while Joachim Andersen was sent to Fulham for £30m – but apart from those two, Crystal Palace kept hold of key players.
Now Steve Parish has discussed the transfer window and revealed one thing surprised him.
Steve Parish left stunned after the summer transfer window
Heading into the summer, Crystal Palace were desperate to keep hold of three of the club’s main stars and now that the season is underway and the window has closed, two of the three remain part of Oliver Glasner’s squad.
Marc Guehi was the subject of interest from Newcastle in the summer, but a deal ultimately failed to materialize as Parish refused to sell.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Parish explained that he was shocked that interest in Eze had not arrived, despite his earlier concerns.
“From a club point of view I was really very worried about losing Michael and Ebs in the same window.
“We haven’t had the interest in Ebs that I thought we would have.”
“I was surprised! Really surprised, the guys are simply an outstanding footballer and an outstanding person.
“He would be a gift to any football club.”
After paying tribute to Eze, Parish stated that it is a blessing to keep Eze but he is well aware that at some point he will want to play at the highest level.
Something he doesn’t think the fans will blame him for given the great performances he’s been putting in.
Ebere Eze has had an impressive start to the season for Crystal Palace
It won’t be an ideal start to the season for Eze, his free-kick goal against Brentford was disallowed.
It was the start of a two-game losing streak for the Eagles that left plenty of work to be done at the transfer window.
Four arrivals later, the team is in a much better position than they were and a point against Chelsea away from home is a solid foundation for the rest of the season.
Going forward, the Eagles will have new recruits to choose from and that could be when the season really gets going – with Eze in the middle of the squad.