A summer rebuild is crucial for Crystal Palace, and Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs are already scouring the market. A new manager will be in charge next season as Oliver Glasner leaves the club at the end of this campaign.
Palace have endured a frustrating nosedive after the stunning heights of last year. The Eagles won the FA Cup, the first major trophy in the South Londoners’ history.
The success achieved last season has inevitably led to several high-profile departures. Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi have left Selhurst Park, and Jean-Philippe Mateta was close to moving to AC Milan.
Crystal Palace feeling Philogene
A new attacker appears to be on Palace‘s agenda ahead of the summer transfer window. A potential move for Ipswich Town star Jaden Philogene is reportedly under consideration.
According to SportsBoom, the club are among several clubs showing an interest in Philogene. He has flourished in the EFL Championship this season, posting 10 goals and two assists in 26 games across competitions.
Philogene spent a short spell in the Premier League with Aston Villa but failed to impress. He is a versatile attacker who can play on either wing, in attacking midfield and as a second striker.
Palace are thought to be prepared to swoop for the 24-year-old even if Ipswich earn promotion to the Premier League. His side currently sits fourth after 30 games and has two games in hand over the three clubs above them.
How much for Philogene?
It was said that bids had been made from Turkish clubs in January around the £20m ballpark. These were rejected by the Tractor Boys, who have privately valued the English youngster at £40m.
If Kieran McKenna’s side gains promotion, this fee will rise to £60m. That would mean Crystal Palace must pay a club-record fee to bring the former Villa man to South London.
Philogene was dubbed “outrageous” by Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior during their time together at Hull City. He ticks plenty of boxes for the Eagles, who might need attacking reinforcements this summer.
Mateta uncertainty
Milan pulled the plug on a £30m deal to sign the French striker. That was until the Serie A giants pulled the plug after encountering problems during his medical.
Crystal Palace still went ahead with the signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers. A hefty £48m deal saw the Norwegian frontman arrive at Selhurst Park.
Mateta was eager to make the move to the San Siro and jetted off to Paris for a medical. The deal fell through due to concerns over his fitness.
Milan’s decision to cancel the transfer cast doubts over Mateta playing again this season. Glasner revealed a week later that the 28-year-old doesn’t require surgery and that he’d give his all for the club when fit again.
