Crystal Palace’s transfer window seemed to explode into life with just a couple of weeks left before the deadline, and the Eagles were able to welcome a number of names for Roy Hodgson’s first full season in charge at Selhurst Park.
See how we rated their summer business here:
Arrivals
Veteran goalkeeper Vicente Guaita is welcomed to South London as a free agent, his contract at Getafe running out at the conclusion of last season. The 31-year-old looks to mount an immediate challenge to incumbent gloveman Wayne Hennessey for the spot in the starting XI.
Deadline day saw Palace scramble for a Danny Ings loan deal, eventually losing out to Southampton. Instead, Jordan Ayew arrives from Swansea to provide much needed depth across the forward line.
Cheikhou Kouyate makes the trip across the capital from West Ham, with Palace forking out £9.5 for the defensive midfielder.
The marquee signing of the window however came in the form of Max Meyer – the German joining on a free transfer from Schalke. With four Germany caps under his belt, the pedigree of the attacking midfielder is quite something for a 22-year-old. Superb business.
Departures
This section might as well read – ‘NOT WILFRIED ZAHA’. Hanging onto the Ivorian may well make all the difference for Palace this year, as it did last year. Premier League survival is all but assured with the 25-year-old in the team.
Veterans Damien Delaney and Yohan Cabaye both left the club when their contracts expired.
What more could have been done?
The moves Palace did make were intriguing, but were minimal in quantity. A new goalkeeper, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, and striker all make for decent signings, but a new defender could have perhaps been welcome for depth purposes.
Final Grade: B
Palace’s window was improved drastically by holding on to Zaha, despite concrete interest from Spurs. New signings could have a serious impact from day one, and therefore the powers that be at the club deserve credit.
