Crystal Palace will need to step up their efforts in the summer transfer window if their new manager Pierre Sage is to challenge for trophies going into the new season. Oliver Glasner’s era has certainly raised expectations at Selhurst Park about what is achievable.
The Eagles are now looking at the probable departures of two of their top stars from the previous campaign. There is interest in both Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philipe Mateta, and it has skyrocketed over the past couple of weeks.
As for Palace, they have only brought in Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer. Also, they were able to hold on to Daichi Kamada with a new contract.
High expectations for Crystal Palace
The fans are far from satisfied with the club management’s performance this summer. They hope to celebrate more trophies in the future, going into the new season, following their side’s Conference League title win.
The departure of Glasner has been a hard pill to swallow for Palace fans, as the former manager turned the Eagles into a team to beat in cup competitions. There is no doubt that replacing him will not be easy.
Now with Sage taking over as the new manager of the club, Palace will look for an improved finish in the Premier League at the end of the new season, along with a strong performance in the Europa League.
Although Sage might just be interested in one of Glasner’s players from the previous campaign, as reports suggests that Palace are still keen to bring back Evann Guessand, who had a promising spell at Selhurst Park last season.
Crystal Palace keen to bring back versatile forward
As reported by Sky Sports’ James Savundra (via Football Fancast), Crystal Palace have not completely ruled out re-signing Guessand despite allowing both their obligation and option to buy clauses to expire.
Crystal Palace are still exploring options to sign the 25-year-old Ivory Coast forward following the end of his loan spell from Aston Villa.
The Eagles had the chance to permanently sign Guessand for a transfer fee of £28.5 million but decided not to take it up. But the door is not completely closed yet.
Palace taking it slow
As of now, the versatile forward is looking to impress Unai Emery at his parent club, but the recent reports coming out of Selhurst Park might just change his situation during the coming weeks.
Apparently Villa are looking for a transfer fee of £30 million for Guessand this time around but the Eagles will only make a move if he is available for a reduced fee.
Despite his injuries, Guessand showed a few glimpses of his quality during the previous campaign and it was seemingly enough for Palace to re-ignite their interest in the World Cup player, as they look to strengthen their squad for a gruelling season ahead.
