- Crystal Palace transfer plans
- Three players who could arrive at Selhurst Park
- Pierre Sage knows one of them very well
Crystal Palace are busy planning their summer business and reports already indicate that they hope to make four signings. Pierre Sage will be taking charge of his first season at Selhurst Park and the transfer chiefs are tasked with strengthening his squad.
Reports claim that Palace want to add a new right-back, centre-back, two central midfielders and an attacking midfielder to Sage’s squad. There have already been a few names linked even before the French coach succeeded Oliver Glasner.
With that said, we take a look at three signings that could be made if speculation turns into official transfers.
Arne Engels
Palace are reportedly eyeing Arne Engels and are in a race with Nottingham Forest to sign the Celtic midfielder. The Belgian is expected to be on the move this summer and the lure of European football could help the Eagles land him.
Engels joined Celtic from Bundesliga club FC Augsburg in August 2024 for £11m. He became the Scottish club’s transfer record signing and has been a hit.
Still only 22, he made 46 appearances across competitions last season, posting seven goals and eight assists. He is a versatile holding midfielder who could replace Daichi Kamada who has yet to respond to the club’s contract extension offer.
Jonathan David
While Palace aren’t thought to be in the market for a new striker, they may well be. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future remains in doubt despite putting a failed move to AC Milan behind him.
If Mateta moves on, the Eagles could turn to Jonathan David who has recently been linked. The Canadian is currently at the World Cup and he scored a superb hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Qatar.
There are plenty of other clubs eyeing the 26-year-old who stuttered at Juventus last season. The Serie A giants could be open to a sale and Selhurst Park might be an ideal destination.
Ismaelo Ganiou
It’s become the norm for a newly appointed manager to bring one or two of his former players with him to a new club. If Sage is to swoop for a Lens star, that will likely be Ismaelo Ganiou.
Reports claim that Palace are eyeing the 21-year-old who is an exciting young defensive talent. He starred under Sage in Ligue 1 last season, playing a key role in helping Lens finish second and win the Coupe de France.
There isn’t an urgency to sign a new centre-back given the club’s options at the back. But Ganiou could be a fine addition to help push for more European success.
