It has been reported frequently over the past few weeks during the January transfer window that Crystal Palace are pursuing a deal for LOSC Lille and Cameroon Defender Ibrahim Amadou.
The Eagles have had multiple bids rejected by the French outfit, with the latest reported to have been worth £16m. Palace have also failed with two loan bids for the Cameroon international. With Lille’s asking price set at £17.6m, I will go over Amadou’s playing history and his style, and answer the question on all Palace fans’ lips: “Will it happen?”
History
Ibrahim Amadou was born in Douala, Cameroon in April 1993 and began playing football at the age of 10 after moving to France from his native country at an early age. He joined a local youth team by the name of Cheminots de l’Ouest, a club based just outside Paris. After impressing in the Cheminots colours, he join RC Levallois. After impressing once again, he signed for professional outfit AS Nancy at the age of 14, spending five years in the North-East of France. After making his Ligue 2 debut against AJ Auxerre in 2013, he became an established first team player in the Nancy ranks. His outstanding performances week in, week out in the French Second Division earned him a £1.75m move to Lille, his current suitors.
Playing Style
Amadou’s main claim to success is his strength and versatility. The Cameroonian can play in central defence or central midfield, playing in both at Lille regularly. This versatility could prove to be a real coup for the Eagles should he sign. Due to the ever-increasing injury lists of Premier League clubs, players with the ability to play in more than one position can save a lot of stress for the main powers at the club – this could be the exact case with Palace. His strength is also a key factor in the interest surrounding him. He is a very strong, physical presence on the pitch who loves to hold the ball up if he’s in the middle. He isn’t afraid to make big challenges and will shoot if given the opportunity, seen in his 3 career goals from his time at Nancy.
Will it happen?
It is looking increasingly likely that this deal will go through. With Lille’s asking price only £1.6m more than the Eagles’ latest bid, it would seem that an agreement would be likely. However, with West Ham readying a bid, according to Sky Sports, Palace will have to act fast to secure the Cameroonian’s signature.
