---
title: "Palace swoop to sign French centre-back"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2017/05/26/palace-swoop-sign-french-centre-back/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2017-05-26T19:36:06Z"
modified: "2017-05-26T19:36:06Z"
---

# Palace swoop to sign French centre-back

Crystal Palace have persuaded 18-year-old defender Issiar Drame to leave Lyon and sign a professional contract with the Eagles, as per [reports](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2017/issiar-drame-set-to-move-to-crystal-palace/) from France.

The teenager was offered a professional deal by Lyon but it looks like he’s turned that down in order to play in England.

At 6’4″, Drame already has the physical traits to be able to play in the Premier League, although he does need to fill out a bit, which he will do in due course.

Despite not having a manager in place, it looks like Palace are pushing ahead with recruitment at academy level, which in itself is a sound strategy.

Drame is unlikely to be playing regular first team football anytime soon but with a few aging defenders currently on the books at Palace, having him waiting in the wings is a smart and logical move.