- Crystal Palace eyeing Jamil Siebert
- German defender impressing at Leece
- Likened to Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger
Crystal Palace have reportedly added Leece defender Jamil Siebert to their list of potential defensive acquisitions ahead of the summer transfer window. The German has impressed during his time in Serie A.
Siebert joined Leece from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer for €5.5m but was already on English clubs’ radars. Reports in Italy linked the centre-back with Stoke City, QPR and Watford.
The 24-year-old’s stock has grown amid a fine season at the Stadio Via del mare. He’s made 21 appearances across competitions, posting one goal.
Crystal Palace Shortlist Siebert
According to Sky Sports Germany’s Dennis Bayer, Siebert is on Palace’s shortlist for the summer. It’s a tad surprising given the club’s stance over signing a new centre-back.
Jaydee Canvot’s superb debut season reportedly led to the higher-ups lessening their focus on defensive reinforcements. There had been a need to replace Marc Guehi but Canvot has more than stepped up and become a regular starter alongside Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix.
Palace might want to add more depth and add a young profile to their defence. The German has earned praise for his strength and pace but does not have an exit clause in his contract with Leece.
Milan Vibes’ Marco Zullo gave a glowing verdict of Siebert amid his move to Serie A. He claimed to see “traits” of Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger in the “impressive” eight-cap Germany U21 international.
A Palace Plan
Palace’s focus this summer should be on strengthening midfield ahead of Daichi Kamada’s departure. The Japanese midfielder is set to follow Oliver Glasner out of Selhurst Park.
A new centre-back shouldn’t be a priority but interest in Siebert is intriguing. There’s every chance the South Londoners are playing European football next season.
Palace are in the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League and winning that competition will grant them Europa League qualification. There will be a need for Glasner’s successor to be able to rotate his squad to handle such a fixture list.
This was none so more apparent than seeing Jefferson Lerma used as a makeshift centre-back earlier this season. If the German were to be signed it’s unlikely he’d be a starter given Richards, Lacroix and Canvot’s superb displays.
There’s also no certainty that Glasner’s replacement will use a three-at-the-back system. So while the club might be eyeing the Leece man, it doesn’t feel likely that he will be a priority.
