Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has confirmed the signing of Pape Souaré from Lille this evening for an undisclosed fee after completing a medical at the club yesterday; the player arrives at the club on the back of an African Cup of Nations tournament.
It is understood that the left-back has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the club, creating competition between Martin Kelly and Joel Ward for the right back position with the latter covering the before vacant left-back position for the first half of the season. It may be too early for Souaré to feature against Everton at Selhurst Park on Saturday but is expected to at least be in the stands for the game.
The 24-year-old has made 22 appearances for the French side this season, playing a number of games in the Coupe de la Ligue, Europa League and Lille’s attempt at Champions League football through the qualification stages at the start of the season. Over those games he hasn’t offered much going forward but has put in a number of good defensive performances this season which could help to build a more solid wall at the back of Palace’s line-up.
Delighted that @papesouare has just this minute signed for #cpfc . A warm welcome from all of us . pic.twitter.com/5sKy5dTPDp
— Steve Parish (@CEO4TAG) January 30, 2015
