At a Glance
- Crystal Palace linked with Hearts’ Claudio Braga
- The rumour has been denied
- The Eagles have other transfer priorities
Crystal Palace don’t appear to be in the race to sign Claudio Braga despite reports claiming they are looking to battle Brighton & Hove Albion for the Hearts striker.
The Portuguese attacker has impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season and is among the top scorers in the division. He has bagged 12 goals in 29 games, earning praise from his manager Derek McInnes, who called him ‘exceptional.’
A report claimed that Palace and Brighton were showing interest in Braga ahead of the summer transfer window. There remains uncertainty over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future despite the French forward failing a medical ahead of a proposed £30m move to AC Milan in January.
Braga link dismissed
Palace will be making signings for a new manager this summer following Oliver Glasner’s January departure. A new striker wouldn’t appear to be a priority given Mateta stayed put, and Jorgen Strand Larsen arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a club-record £48m deal.
Club insider @calciocarl has refuted claims that the Eagles could swoop for Braga. He told OurCPFC that links to the 26-year-old are “100% a fake rumour.”
It was also stressed that the South Londoners’ main focus will be on a new centre-back and central midfielder. The transfer chiefs “have their eye on a forward”, but that depends on Mateta or Eddie Nketiah leaving.
| Claudio Braga (Scottish Premiership 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 29 |
| Goals: | 12 |
| Expected goals (xG): | 11.18 |
| Scoring frequency (in mins): | 183min |
| Goals per game: | 0.4 |
| Total shots: | 2.6 |
| Shots on target per game: | 1.2 |
| Goal conversion: | 16% |
Mateta returned to action for the first time since January in the midweek 0-0 draw at home to AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League. He will have a year left on his contract this summer and has been linked with Newcastle United.
Palace’s transfer plans
Nketiah has spent a large portion of the season on the sidelines with a recurring thigh issue. The former Arsenal man hasn’t played since December, and his fitness troubles have been problematic during his spell at Selhurst Park.
The 26-year-old has just over three years left on his contract. He could be on the move if his situation doesn’t improve.
If Mateta or Nketiah were to leave, it would likely result in a replacement being brought in. The priority for Steve Parish’s recruitment staff, as things stand, is strengthening in central defence and midfield.
Palace have been linked with Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez. The Ecuadorian recently admitted he was “angry” when a move to South London collapsed in January.
Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell and Lyon’s Ruben Kluivert are also on the club’s shortlist. As for a new midfielder, reports suggest RC Lens’ Mamadou Sangare is on the radar, although Chelsea are also keen.
