Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sell highly-rated academy defender Mofe Jemide to Portuguese top-flight side Alverca.
The 19-year-old centre-back is now closing in on a move to the newly-promoted Primeira Liga club, with the two sides reaching an agreement over a permanent transfer.
Jemide is regarded as one of the standout young prospects to come through the Crystal Palace academy. He has represented the club at youth level and has also featured for England Under-20s.
Crystal Palace will receive a minimal fee for the defender, while Jemide is set to sign a three-year contract with Alverca.
Jemide attracted serious interest
The move comes after months of links to various clubs in Europe as Jemide had started to attract attention from clubs outside England regularly.
PSV Eindhoven, Celta Vigo and Deportivo Alaves had all shown interest previously in the Palace youngster, while Austrian clubs LASK and Sturm Graz were also said to be linked with the Palace academy graduate.
The centre-back has been dubbed as a modern defender combining physical strength with composure in possession.
Jemide made 14 appearances in Premier League 2 last season and earned a well deserved pre-season call up to senior team where he was involved against Swindon and Bromley before the decision was made over his next step.
For Palace, the transfer represents another move involving a player who has developed through the academy but is now heading elsewhere in search of a new challenge.
Alverca move gives Jemide a fresh challenge
Alverca’s interest in Jemide had been reported as the club looked to secure the defender on a permanent basis.
The Portuguese side are newly promoted to the Primeira Liga and boast some notable names among their ownership group, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Jemide will now have the opportunity to continue his development in Portugal after emerging as one of the more exciting young defenders in the Palace academy.
There was clearly plenty of interest in his services, with clubs from several countries monitoring his progress. Palace’s agreement with Alverca now appears set to bring that chapter to a close.
The 19-year-old leaves Selhurst Park with his next move already lined up, and a three-year contract waiting for him in Portugal.
For Palace supporters, it will be one to keep an eye on. Jemide remains a highly regarded young defender, and his move to Alverca should give him another chance to rake in some senior team minutes.
