Crystal Palace are reportedly set to send scouts to watch Galatasaray’s encounter with Liverpool on Wednesday night (March 18th). They are tasked with casting their eye on Turkish winger Baris Alper Yilmaz at Anfield.
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the Eagles’ scouting team will watch Yilmaz play against the Merseysiders in the Champions League. He has been one of Okan Buruk’s main men this season and appears to have emerged as a potential summer target.
Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion will also have their scouts in attendance. The Turkish giants are “highly anticipating offers” from the Premier League.
Palace eyeing Yilmaz
Yilmaz played an important role in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg. He’s produced incredible numbers this season, posting 10 goals and 13 assists in 40 games across competitions.
The 25-year-old is extremely versatile, able to play across the frontline, but his preferred position is on the left wing. He is described by Turkish Football as Cinbom’s ‘Iron Man’ because of his work ethic and heavy workload.
| Baris Alper Yilmaz (Super Lig 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 23 |
| Goals: | 6 |
| Assists: | 9 |
| Expected goals (xG): | 6.98 |
| Expected assists (xA): | 3.94 |
| Big chances created: | 9 |
| Key passes: | 2.0 |
| Successful dribbles: | 1.7 (53%) |
| Ground duels won: | 4.3 (47%) |
Yilmaz has just over two years left on his contract at RAMS Park. He’s been a crucial member of their attack since arriving from Ankara Keciörengücü in the summer of 2021.
The Turk will come up against Virgil van Dijk when his side faces Liverpool on Wednesday. The Dutch defender previously said he is “a difficult player for every defender.”
Another attacker
If Palace were to sign Yilmaz in the summer, it would likely be at a hefty fee given his importance at Galatasaray. A cut-price deal isn’t expected because he still has over a year on his contract with the Turkish Super Lig giants.
The Eagles might have concluded that Yeremy Pino isn’t the answer amid his slow start to life at Selhurst Park. The Spaniard arrived from Villarreal last summer for £26m, but he has fallen behind loanee Evann Guessand in Oliver Glasner’s pecking order.
Another attacker who has stuttered since moving to South London is Brennan Johnson. The Welshman signed for the club from Tottenham Hotspur in January for £35m.
Glasner recently gave a frosty response to scrutiny of the attacking acquisitions made in recent windows. He won’t be in charge come next season, and any arrival this summer will come under a new manager at the helm.
