Crystal Palace are reportedly weighing up a move for a potential replacement for Marc Guehi this summer. The club’s transfer chiefs are prioritising replacing the English centre-back who left Selhurst Park and joined Manchester City in January for £20m.
According to Turkish outlet Aksam (via Sport Witness), Palace are eyeing Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde, who has long been on their radar. The versatile Dutchman is also attracting interest from Newcastle United and could be available this summer.
Oosterwolde is a centre-back but can also play at left-back thanks to his versatility. He will have two years left on his contract in June, and the South Londoners are on alert.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle in for Oosterwolde
Palace reportedly made an enquiry about signing Oosterwolde in the summer of 2024. A knee injury prevented the Eagles from intensifying their pursuit.
Oosterwolde has bounced back from injury troubles and has been a mainstay for Fenerbahce this season. He has appeared 37 times across competitions, displaying impressive pace and technical abilities.
The Turkish giants are open to a potential sale for around £17m (€20m), making him an even more attractive option. There are several defenders on the Eagles’ wishlist, such as Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, but he could cost around £40m.
| Appearances: | 22 |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 0 |
| Interceptions: | 0.9 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.3 |
| Clearances per game: | 2.9 |
| Ground duels won: | 2.9 (58%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 1.3 (52%) |
Palace might have to see off competition from Newcastle to seal Oosterwolde’s signature. Eddie Howe will want to be backed in the summer amid his side’s poor ongoing campaign.
Oosterwolde fits the bill
Should Palace swoop for Oosterwolde, they might be addressing two issues in their squad. Replacing Guehi is still at the top of the club’s agenda despite Jaydee Canvot’s promising start at Selhurst Park.
Borna Sosa has failed to impress since arriving from Ajax last summer, and that has meant Tyrick Mitchell has played the majority of the campaign. The Dutch centre-back’s versatility could mean he also serves as a backup option to Mitchell or even competes for a starting berth at left-back.
A new manager will be in charge come next season as Oliver Glasner leaves when his contract expires in June. Having a player who can play in multiple positions could be beneficial, especially if they don’t continue with Glasner’s system.
Even if someone like Thomas Frank takes charge and a three-at-the-back remains intact, versatility is vital. A clear lack of depth has been a concern this season, and Sosa’s dissapointing displays could even lead to an early exit.
