Crystal Palace still have significant work to complete during Pierre Sage’s first summer in charge.
The needs are particularly clear in central defence, while another midfielder and attacking player would leave the squad better prepared for a demanding Premier League and Europa League campaign.
Óscar Mingueza remains Palace’s only senior summer signing. Retaining Daichi Kamada until 2027 was important, but it does not replace the need for further additions.
The biggest issue has developed at centre-back following Maxence Lacroix’s £52million move to Chelsea. ReadCrystalPalace covered how Lacroix’s departure leaves Sage needing another central defender.
Crystal Palace transfer needs start at centre-back
Palace had already lost Marc Guéhi to Manchester City before allowing Lacroix to leave.
Mingueza can operate centrally, but his versatility makes him more useful across several defensive positions rather than as the sole replacement for two major departures.
Sky Sports reports that Palace have ended talks with Augsburg over Chrislain Matsima and have considered Charlie Cresswell, Ruben Kluivert and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Cresswell appeared to be one of the strongest candidates. ReadCrystalPalace reported on Friday that Palace were battling to sign the Toulouse defender, but Rennes have since moved strongly towards completing a deal.
Sage therefore needs Palace to move quickly towards another option.
Jaydee Canvot deserves greater responsibility after his progress last season, but asking a 20-year-old to replace the experience of Guéhi and Lacroix would carry significant risk.
An established centre-back remains the clear priority.
Palace still need more midfield depth
Kamada’s contract extension removed one potential problem.
The Japan international already understands the demands of Palace’s midfield and gives Sage another experienced option alongside Adam Wharton.
However, Palace still want another midfielder. Sky Sports reports that Southampton’s Shea Charles is admired, although there has been no club-to-club contact.
Charles would offer physicality, defensive coverage and versatility. The 22-year-old can operate as a holding midfielder but has also played at centre-back.
Palace face substantial competition. talkSPORT has reported that Leeds and Fulham are also interested in Charles, with Southampton previously valuing him at around £30million.
Wharton remains attracting interest from leading Premier League clubs, but Palace are under no pressure to sell with three years remaining on his contract.
Adding depth around him rather than replacing him should be the priority.
Sage needs another attacker behind the striker
Palace also want another player capable of operating in one of the two attacking positions behind the striker in Sage’s expected 3-4-2-1.
That role requires someone comfortable receiving between the lines, carrying possession and creating chances around the penalty area.
Kamada can operate there, but another specialist would give Sage greater flexibility during a season containing European football.
Jean-Philippe Mateta creates another decision.
The striker has entered the final year of his contract after coming close to joining AC Milan in January. Palace could consider a sale if the right offer arrives, but his departure would immediately create the need for a new number nine.
Palace do not require a complete rebuild.
A senior centre-back is essential. Another midfielder would protect the squad during a heavier schedule, while an attacking midfielder could give Sage more variety behind Mateta.
Complete those three additions while keeping Wharton and Palace should have enough balance to build on their recent success.
