Eddie Nketiah joins Crystal Palace
Eddie Nketiah has joined Crystal Palace in a permanent transfer.
Eddie joined our Academy at the age of 14 and went on to make 168 first-team appearances for us, scoring 38 goals and assisting seven times. He was also part of our 2020 FA Cup-winning side and our FA Community Shield victories in both 2020 and 2023.
During his development years with us, Eddie made 60 appearances for our Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 teams, scoring an impressive 46 goals in the process. On his pathway to our first team, Eddie signed his first professional contract with the club in September 2016.
The 25-year-old forward made his senior debut for us in September 2017 when he came on as a substitute in our UEFA Europa League match 4-2 away win to BATE Borisov. One month later, Eddie memorably featured in our 2-1 Carabao Cup win against Norwich City at Emirates Stadium. Coming on in the 85th minute, Eddie scored after just 15 seconds to level the match, before scoring the winner in extra-time and announcing himself to Arsenal supporters around the world.
Eddie spent some valuable time on loan with Leeds United, helping them win automatic promotion to the Premier League when they lifted the Championship in the 2019/20 season, making 19 appearances in all competitions for Leeds during the campaign.
Notably, Eddie is still the all-time top scorer for England Under-21s with 16 goals in 17 appearances, and captained the side which won the 2021 European Under-21 Championship. Eddie went on to make his first senior England appearance in a 1-0 friendly win against Australia at Wembley Stadium in October 2023.
Sporting Director Edu, said: “Eddie has had a great journey from our Academy into our first team, and we send him our thanks and best wishes as he moves to Crystal Palace. It is important for Eddie to be playing regular first-team football and we are happy we have concluded a very positive transfer deal for his move. Eddie has a lot of friends here after many years at the club and we wish him good luck in his next step.”
Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We are so grateful to Eddie for his performances with us. He is a player who has developed well through our Academy and now he takes this opportunity with Crystal Palace. Eddie is a top professional, loved by everyone at the club, who wanted and needed to play more minutes. We wish Eddie well as he moves onto his next challenge.”
Everyone at Arsenal thanks Eddie for his contribution to the club and wishes him all the best for his future.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
https://www.arsenal.com/news/eddie-nket ... tal-palace
Eddie Nketiah wrote:Thank you @arsenal
As I say goodbye, I want to take this time to say thank you to everyone at the club, from my teammates to all the wonderful staff who have been a part of my journey and have made this place home for so many years.
Working my way up from Hale End to the first team was a dream come true. It taught me what it means to play for the club and what a privilege it is to wear the shirt. I never took it for granted and gave my all every time I stepped on the pitch.
From scoring my first senior goal against Norwich in 2017, to making over 100 appearances for Arsenal, I have made memories here I shall carry with me for the rest of my life.
I’m grateful to have felt your support and I’ll cherish the memories we have made.
Thank you Gooners.
Eddie
https://www.instagram.com/eddienketiah/p/C_T1bXru98u
