A new era will begin at Crystal Palace this summer, and the club is keen on bringing a veteran Liverpool star to Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner won’t be in charge when the transfer window re-opens on June 15th.
Glasner has publicly questioned Palace’s ambition after delivering the FA Cup last season. The under-fire Austrian coach watched Eberechi Eze move to Arsenal and Marc Guehi head to Manchester City.
A lack of leadership appears to be an issue despite Dean Henderson taking to the captaincy well. The focus should be on signing experienced players this summer, and the higher-ups appear to acknowledge this.
Race for Robertson
Tyrick Mitchell and Borna Sosa are currently Glasner’s two left-back options at Selhurst Park. The pair have contrasting styles of play that allow them to also operate as wing-backs in their manager’s preferred back-five defence.
Sosa hasn’t made the best of starts with Palace since joining from Ajax last summer. He might have a third left-back challenging him for a starting berth come next season.
According to CaughtOffside, the Eagles are eyeing Liverpool hero Andy Robertson. The Scottish defender has been a stalwart for the Reds during his seven years at Anfield.
The Scottish full-back is entering the final year of his contract with Arne Slot’s defending champions. His club aren’t actively pushing him towards the exit door but are “open to reasonable offers.”
Robertson has been in and out of Slot’s team this season following the arrival of Milos Kerkez. He has started just five of 16 Premier League games.
The 31-year-old has plenty of interest not only from Palace but also from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa. Scottish Premiership giants Celtic are also keen, as are La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid, who attempted to sign him last summer.
Palace could make a statement
Robertson is, without doubt, one of the best full-backs in Premier League history. He is second on the all-time list of assisting defenders (60).
The Scot could displace Trent Alexander-Arnold at the top of that list if he provides eight more. That could come at Palace, where a leader of his status is required in defence.
Guehi’s departure means the Eagles miss his leadership qualities at the back. A move for Robertson is a solution that would allow him to continue leaving his mark on the English game.
Robertson’s replacement, Kerkez, called him a “legend” and explained how he’s taken the young Hungarian under his wing. Such mentorship could be hugely beneficial at Selhurst Park.
If there is an opportunity to sign the Scotsman for a reasonable fee, it should be pounced upon. He has vital Premier League experience and can help whoever replaces Glasner get the squad on board with their vision for the club.
