- Crystal Palace reach ‘agreement’ for Scottish gem
- Queen’s Park’s Afzal has caught the eye
- Southampton are also keen
Crystal Palace have reportedly “agreed terms in principle” to sign Queen’s Park youngster Harris Afzal. The Eagles continue to target youth as part of the club’s long-term vision and they are keen on the Scottish defender.
A report from TEAMtalk claims that Palace have “reached an agreement” over a deal worth around £400,000 plus a sell-on clause. But so too have Southampton with the EFL Championship outfit looking to win the race for the 16-year-old.
Afzal’s stock is rising in Scotland amid impressive displays at youth level for Queen’s Park. He’s emerged from the same academy that produced Liverpool’s heroic left-back Andy Robertson.
Palace Battle Southampton For Scottish Prospect
Southampton looked likely to land Afzal until Palace entered the picture and now the Scottish teenager has a decision to make. It’s said that Steve Parish is “increasingly active in recruiting elite young talent.”
Afzal was previously on Rangers’ and Celtic’s radar, but the Saints looked to beat the Scottish Premiership giants to the player. His displays at the youth level have earned him a place in Queen’s Park’s first team this season, albeit he’s yet to appear for the senior side.
Another Scot on Palace’s Radar
Palace’s scouts appear to be focusing on Scottish talent, and Afzal isn’t the only young gem on their watchlist. Hearts’ Alfie Osborne is another being eyed by the South Londoners, and he’s in high demand.
A report claims that the Eagles’ scouting team watched Osborne in action for Scotland’s U19’s during the international break. But Arsenal and Chelsea scouts were also in attendance as the 17-year-old centre-back captained his nation against the Republic of Ireland.
Should Palace manage to sign Afzal and Osborne, they can expect to enter the club’s academy rather than be immediately introduced to first-team football. They’d join an exciting squad of youth talent, including Benji Casey and Dean Benamar.
Parish previously highlighted the importance of the academy, having overseen its redevelopment back in 2021. The club’s chairman said, “[It will not only enable us] to attract and retain the best players in one of England’s richest footballing areas but also to help scores of young people and local schools enjoy the facilities.”
Palace won’t be focused solely on youth this summer, though, as several areas of the squad need strengthening. A new centre-back is reportedly desired following Marc Guehi’s exit to Manchester City for £20m in January.
