- Crystal Palace eyed Scottish youngster Harris Afzal
- Exciting right-back opted to join Southampton
- The academy set for changes
Crystal Palace have failed to win the race for Scottish youngster Harris Afzal with the exciting right-back joining Southampton. The Eagles were interested in the former Queen’s Park academy talent but have been beaten to his signature.
Afzal, described as “electric”, emerged as one of the South Londoners’ targets to bolster their youth team. He has caught the eye during his time in Scotland, earning comparisons to Liverpool hero Andy Robertson.
Crystal Palace Miss Out on Afzal
Confirmation of Afzal’s move to St Mary’s came on Thursday and he spoke to their club media about the switch. He said (via The Daily Echo):
“I’m really excited. It’s something that I’ve always wanted, to make a move to England… It’s good that the hard work’s paying off now. When I came down, I thought the atmosphere was really good. I liked all the lads and the coaches.”
While Palace may be frustrated to miss out on Afzal, Steve Parish’s recruitment staff have already assembled an exciting pool of talent in the academy. That includes the likes of versatile right-winger Joel Drakes-Thomas, 16, and right-back Tyler Whyte, 19.
The Scot might have viewed Southampton as a better option on the basis of a pathway to first-team football. The Saints are on the rise in the Championship, but don’t have a senior squad on the same level as the Eagles’.
Afzal isn’t the only young talent from Scottish football that the club’s scouts have taken notice of. The South Londoners are reportedly among several Premier League sides eyeing Hearts’ Alfie Osborne.
Changes at Youth Level
Palace look set to reshuffle their youth squad this summer, and that includes several outgoings. Reports claim that striker Jemiah Umolu is expected to depart after returning from a loan spell at Bromley in January.
It’s likely that England U20 international Mofe Jemide will also follow Umolu out of Selhurst Park. The defender has received interest from several European clubs, including Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, and Spanish outfits Alaves and Celta Vigo.
With those two likely to leave, it paves the way for youth scouts to continue unearthing gems across Europe and England. This strategy has worked wonders over the years and the Young Eagles’ recent 2-0 win over Arsenal speaks volumes.
