- Crystal Palace keen on Lille youngster
- Face pressure from European clubs
- Competiton for midfield places heats up
Crystal Palace have possessed several iconic African players over the years, from exciting wingers such as Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie, to current midfielder Cheick Doucoure. Now they could be set to add another African talent to the club, according to L’Equipe.
The Eagles are considering making a move for Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau. However, they face Premier League resistance from fellow London side West Ham United to sign the talented midfielder.
The Ligue 1 side are expected to cash in on several high-profile players this summer in an attempt to rebuild the side, and Mukau could be one of those who depart.
Makau’s Lille connection
The DR Congo international worked his way through the youth levels at Belgian side KV Mechelen, where he made 34 appearances for the club.
Due to his standout performances after breaking into the first team, many teams from around Europe were keeping a close eye on his progress.
In the summer of 2024, Les Dogues introduced the youngster to France, paying €5 million to bring him to Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He is yet another magical star that Lille have had over the years, alongside others like Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is attracting significant interest himself.
Makau plays in a more aggressive role in France than in Belgium, where he combines his defensive instincts and work rate to make him a top-performing midfielder.
Under manager Bruno Genesio, he has featured 74 times in all competitions, during which they finished fifth in 2024/25, and they are on course to do the same this campaign.
Makau’s performances have garnered him a lot of praise and, in turn, a lot of interest from European clubs. While Palace and West Ham are showing signs of interest, Turkish side Galatasaray have also been keen on potentially signing the 21-year-old.
Palace midfield changes
Glasner announced that he will be leaving at the end of the season, which will have a huge impact on the Eagles’ next season. The Selhurst Park outfit have shown a desire to bring Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to London.
The Austrian has favoured a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 during his time at the club, but Iraola has opted for a 4-2-3-1 at the Cherries. Signing Mukau would increase competition in the middle of the park for other players at the club, as they would be limited to a double pivot.
The current options for Palace in the pivot would be Adam Wharton (linked with Manchester United), Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes and Doucoure. Mukau would add new quality to an ageing midfield, but signing the DR Congo international would likely mean it’s not just the managerial position that sees a great deal of change this summer.
