- Crystal Palace keen on Zézé move
- Competition for his signature from England and Europe
- Likened to Saliba
Reports are emerging linking Crystal Palace with a move for Saudi Arabian side Neom SC’s French defender Nathan Zézé. The under-21 international is valued at £25 million.
Sports journalist Nicoló Schira has revealed that the 20-year-old is available this Summer and is attracting vast attention from a host of clubs.
Dubbed ‘the next Saliba’, Zézé would be a real catch for Palace and would continue their model of buying young, exciting talent.
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Who is Nathan Zézé?
Widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive talents from France, Zézé developed at FC Nantes, playing 35 times for the club before his transfer out to Saudi Arabia.
One of the new batch of young talents taking the leap to the Middle East, Zézé is still only 20, and standing at 6”3, his size and stature would make him an ideal fit for the Premier League.
A French Under-21 International, Zézé would come to Palace knowing Jaydee Canvot, having lined up together in two European Championship qualifiers this year.
In an article by The Sun disclosing the details of Zézé’s transfer last Summer, he was described as ‘the next Saliba’, signifying the level of talent he possesses.
Those comparisons are fitting, as Zézé does play with a similar level of composure and coolness to his game as the Arsenal star.
Strong in possession and a powerful tackler, Zézé’s athleticism and technical ability would aid any transfer to England’s top flight.
A hot prospect
Prior to his move to Saudi Arabia, there were a host of English sides interested in his signature.
Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Everton and Liverpool had all shown interest, according to BBC Sport, but Zézé opted to join Neom.
The Saudi club were in the midst of building a star-studded squad. Alexandre Lacazette, Saïd Benrahma, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Marcin Bułka are amongst the standout names in Neom’s ranks.
A recruitment team spearheaded by former Nottingham Forest sporting director Kyriakos Dourekas were pivotal in acquiring Zézé’s signature, but by recent reports the Frenchman is open to a move back to Europe.
Schira’s report details that both Bournemouth and Brentford are monitoring Zézé’s situation alongside Palace, and a bid in the region of £25m would be enough to tempt Neom into selling.
The Saudi club spent just over £17 million when they signed him last Summer, so are looking to make a profit if they are to part ways just a year later.
