After a disastrous domestic campaign, Crystal Palace are looking set to bolster their attacking options ahead of a crucial season in the Premier League and Europa League.
Crystal Palace are in the hunt for another attacking option. According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Juve, Edon Zhegrova has emerged as a transfer target for both the Eagles and Everton in the final weeks of the summer window.
The Kosovan winger joined Juventus from Lille as one of the finest attackers on the continent. He was a wanted man when he left France, but things haven’t quite gone to plan in Turin. His first season was complicated primarily by injuries. He featured in 27 matches but accumulated just over 500 minutes without a goal or assist.
He arrived as an injury-prone player, but the Italian giants still expected him to be one of their main contributors last season. That didn’t happen as he struggled to stay fit.
The Zhegrova Situation
Here’s where it gets interesting. Zhegrova appears to have no intention of giving up. He’s shown encouraging signs during pre-season and appears determined to prove his worth under Luciano Spalletti. He recently scored for Juve in a friendly win over Chelsea. After the match, he made his desire to stay in Turin clear, noting that groin issues hindered him last season.
The player has publicly reiterated his desire to continue his time in Turin. Zhegrova wants to remain in Turin, which could make Juventus’ plans more complicated.
But Juve are keen to move him on. Juventus hope they can move past his struggles during his first season at the club and push to sell the Kosovar star. For Juventus, the arrival of a significant English offer could change the situation. Zhegrova isn’t necessarily a player to be shown the door at any price. To let him go, they would need a reasonable offer.
Monaco, Lens, Everton and Crystal Palace are all following the winger. While a move to Ligue 1 may suit him most, a transfer to England would be better for Juve. They believe the Toffees and the Eagles can hand them a significant financial package for the Kosovan.
What is the catch in the Zhegrova deal
There’s no doubting Zhegrova’s talent. He’s quick, he looks for his man, he loves to start from the wing and cut back onto the left foot, and above all, he can create a move without needing those perfect conditions. Explosive pace, thriving in one-on-one situations, and the ability to create chances out of nothing are some key attributes possessed by the Kosovan.
But here’s the thing for Palace. The Eagles already have several right-flank options. Brennan Johnson is on the verge of leaving and Dwight McNeil is coming in as part of a swap deal with Everton. Adding Zhegrova may not be an immediate priority. As Johnson departs, there’s a case for bringing in another wide player. But if with McNeil arriving, it would be a massive fee to bring in the Kosovan.
The player’s preference to stay in Turin means his future remains uncertain. Zhegrova wants to continue at Juventus, but interest from clubs gives the Italian side potential options.
This one feels like a situation to monitor rather than a deal that’s imminent. Palace have done some good business this summer, and Pierre Sage will want to assess his current squad before making another attacking addition. But if Zhegrova becomes available at the right price, don’t be surprised if the Eagles make a move.
