A number of Crystal Palace supporters have been offering their reactions to reports that Palace are considering cashing in on both Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke in January.
Benteke signed an extension to his £120,000-a-week deal in October 2019, which is set to expire at the end of the current campaign. The Belgium international has fallen down the pecking order at the start of the season, making just three substitute appearances at an average of 11 minutes per game (Sofascore).
The 29-year-old’s form in front of goal has deteriorated over the last few seasons, with the forward having started well with the Eagles after scoring 15 Premier League goals in his first term at Selhurst Park in 2016/17. However, since then he has managed just six league goals in the last three full campaigns combined (Sofascore).
Wickham has also been a bit-part player for Palace in recent years, having only managed 20 Premier League appearances over the last three seasons (Sofascore). The 27-year-old’s spell with the Eagles has been blighted with injury issues and that has seen him become little other than a backup option.
Last season he was sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday in January, and it is now being reported that, alongside Benteke he is one of a few players on whom Palace could cash in come January were they to find a potential buyer, per The Sun (1 November, p59).
Palace fans react to potential Wickham and Benteke departures
Many Crystal Palace fans have pointed out that the Eagles would be better off allowing the pair to leave Selhurst Park, with both having struggled to make any real impression for Palace over the last few seasons.
Great it will reduce the payroll and we have some youngsters coming through who can take their place we do not need to replace them
— Amul Naik (@NaikAmul) November 2, 2020
That would be excellent business. Would take a huge amount of pressure off the wage bill
— Here we go (@ourhumaninspace) November 2, 2020
Both gotta go.
Too huge salaries for really poor return goal wise.
Wish them both all the best.
Especially Connor who is blighted with injury and maybe could do a job in championship 🔵🔴— EDDARD STARK (@SlySi1905) November 3, 2020
Please leave so we can reinvest. I love benteke but it isn't the future. https://t.co/n5zxUltPci
— Trigs (@CPFC_Trigs) November 2, 2020
Honestly I hope this happens we are paying these two a lot of money only for them to do absolutely nothing they are done at Palace. https://t.co/JUukHSIycl
— Alex Westry (@alex_westry) November 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/CPFCMOORE/status/1323315002632294400
https://twitter.com/MaxBaileyVinson/status/1323319968650375169
