Crystal Palace Eye Bundesliga Jewel and Chelsea Prodigy
It’s a season of ambition for Crystal Palace. As the transfer market remains in full swing, the club from south of the Thames is reportedly in advanced talks to bolster its defensive ranks. Drawing from insider details reported by the Daily Mail, there’s quite a bit to unpack.
First off, let’s talk Odilon Kossounou. The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back has been turning heads in the Bundesliga. And it seems like Crystal Palace has caught the bug too. Currently, the clubs are discussing a loan arrangement that could culminate in a rather handsome £24million purchase obligation for the Eagles.
In the backdrop, a potential departure of Joachim Andersen, eyed by Newcastle United, and the interest surrounding Marc Guehi underscores the club’s urgency to reinforce its backline. Kossounou, with his Bundesliga acumen, certainly fits the bill.
The Rising Star: Lewis Hall
Switching focus to Chelsea’s training grounds, the name Lewis Hall is creating quite a buzz. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy holds the young gun in high regard. So much so that even as negotiations with Palace over a possible loan are ongoing, there’s chatter about Chelsea keenly securing his future with a new contract.
While traditionally known for his midfield artistry, Hall has also been a revelation at left-back when called upon by Chelsea’s first team. Such versatility undoubtedly enhances his appeal to Palace, offering tactical flexibility and depth.
Crystal Palace’s Summer Signings: A Recap
The aforementioned transfer rumours follow Roy Hodgson’s earlier splash in bringing in Matheus Franca from Flamengo. The deal, amounting to £17m with potential add-ons, certainly signals intent. An additional incentive of £4m dangled if Franca clinches the Ballon D’Or testifies to Palace’s faith in the player’s potential.
It’s evident that the Selhurst Park inhabitants aren’t resting on their laurels. Despite a somewhat reserved transfer activity so far, momentum seems to be picking up. There’s a tangible air of excitement and expectancy as the club seeks to refresh and strengthen its squad, aiming for more memorable days ahead on the pitch.
The coming weeks promise much intrigue. Crystal Palace aficionados, and indeed Premier League observers, will be watching keenly. The Eagles’ summer business is shaping up to be anything but ordinary.
Che Adams has been on the radar of many clubs since last summer and through January. The striker somehow stayed put at Southampton, only to suffer Premier League relegation last season. He has remained with the club for this summer. But with time left in the window, a move could yet become a possibility.
Adams came off the bench for Southampton’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday to score the winner. He could leave the Saints, with a return to the Premier League on the cards. Crystal Palace are the team keen on the striker after failing in their efforts for other targets.
Roy Hodgson reportedly wants a new frontman and is open to letting Jean-Philippe Mateta leave. There are other targets for different positions in the veteran manager’s mind, with Lewis Hall likely to join on loan later in this window.
The report states Crystal Palace tried approaches for Arsenal pair Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun. The Gunners did not respond favorably. Balogun remains linked with Inter Milan after the Nerazzurri revisited their interest in the USMNT striker.
Now, Adams could become available, having entered the final year of his deal and suffered Premier League relegation. Southampton may seek a significant fee for the 27-year-old striker, but Palace could go in optimistically.
Crystal Palace held an interest in Adams earlier in the window but then decided to pursue other targets. They have also confirmed the capture of Matheus Franca from Flamengo and will now step up their search for a viable frontman.
Also Read: Crystal Palace 2023/24 Premier League Season Preview
Whether they succeed in their attempts to sign Adams remains the question. Crystal Palace and Hodgson remain determined to land a striker before the window shuts. Meanwhile, they also worry about some of their present stars, such as Michael Olise. He could attract the attention of some top English sides due to the release clause in his contract.
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