Crystal Palace have rejected an opening offer from Club Brugge for Romain Esse, although the Belgian club are expected to return with an improved bid.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a target for Brugge as they attempt to strengthen their attack before the new season.
Palace have not accepted their opening proposal, but negotiations appear far from finished. The Guardian reports that Club Brugge are expected to make an improved offer for Esse.
Crystal Palace reject opening Romain Esse bid
Esse returned to Selhurst Park this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Coventry City.
He joined Palace from Millwall in January 2025 for a reported £12million but has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team starter.
Club Brugge have now moved quickly.
Separate reporting says their opening proposal was worth around €8million plus €2m in bonuses, with Esse already agreeing personal terms with the Belgian champions. Palace rejected that package, although talks are continuing.
Brugge’s interest comes after selling Christos Tzolis to Arsenal this summer, leaving them searching for additional attacking quality.
Palace therefore have a decision to make. Esse remains under contract until 2030 and is still only 21, meaning Pierre Sage could choose to keep him as part of a squad preparing for Premier League and Europa League football.
However, the club are already active in the market. ReadCrystalPalace reported on Wednesday that Palace are in advanced talks to sign Zavier Gozo for around £11m, with Sage reshaping his attacking options before the campaign begins.
An agreement for Esse has not been reached.
With personal terms reportedly in place and Brugge expected to return with a higher offer, his future could become one of Palace’s next transfer decisions.
