- Crystal Palace transfer news
- Nice claim Walter Benitez wants to return
- Argentine admits French club is ‘home’
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez is keen on a return to Ligue 1 club OGC Nice. The Argentine shot-stopper is said to “dream” of returning to the Allianz Riviera, where he spent six seasons.
Those are the comments from Nice’s departing co-president, Jean-Pierre Rivere, who spoke alongside Maurice Cohen, who is staying in the role. The French clubs have yet to make a move for Benitez but they believe he wants the move.
Benitez has played backup to Dean Henderson since joining Palace as a free agent last summer. He made eight appearances across competitions last season, keeping three clean sheets.
Nice think Benitez wants return
Rivere spoke about Benitez and claimed the Argentine wants to return to Nice. He said (via Get Football News France): “Maurice, we spoke with Walter a few months ago, and I can tell you one thing: this boy dreams of coming back to play for OGC Nice. It’s up to you now!”
It was noted in the report that Benitez was ‘a little surprised’ by the comments. But that the goalkeeper responded: “It’s true that, here, I feel at home.”
That indicates that Benitez is open to leaving Palace and returning to Nice. He could be on the Ligue 1 club’s radar and he was present at Villa Massena on Thursday for Brazilian defender Neto’s farewell ceremony when the comments were made.
It’s only words for now
Benitez leaving Palace would be a nuisance given he has been a worthy deputy for Henderson. He put in a “superb” performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last season.
If the 33-year-old departs, it might means the club have to look for a replacement. For now, they are just comments that he hasn’t downplayed.
Palace do have two other goalkeepers in their squad that could fill the void and become Pierre Sage’s number two. Remi Matthews is the club’s third-choice goalkeeper while 22-year-old Owen Goodman is another option and he earned a call up to Canada’s squad for the World Cup.
