In this instalment of our Transfer Roundup, Football Transfer Tavern have gathered three of the biggest stories to have involved Crystal Palace recently and have provided our thoughts on the reports published.
CLUB FOR SALE
According to reports from City A.M. – a business-based newspaper – Crystal Palace are up for sale and valued at £210m.
A document allegedly circulating across bankers suggests that around 75% to 90% of the club is available to purchase, either to a single buyer or a consortium.
The takeover would pave the way for American owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer to leave the club. They currently own the leading stake in the club after buying it in 2015, but they have been reported to be looking for a sale earlier this year (Bloomberg). Steve Parish, the current chairman and minority owner, is reportedly open to staying but is open to diluting his stake in the club.
The report suggests that the document was not drawn up by the club.
VERDICT
It almost feels as if things have gone a bit stale for Palace and that they are in need of a mix-up. The squad is currently the joint oldest in the league (28.8, the same as Burnley, according to Transfermarkt), and have failed to overhaul their ranks this season after raking in cash from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Perhaps what’s needed is a fresh direction and a fresh input at the club. Blitzer and Harris have failed to really immerse themselves with fans hitting back against the club’s board back in September 2018 (via Sky Sports). With that in mind, maybe a new buyer – under the guise of Steve Parish as chairman – can help spur some excitement into the Palace fans again.
PALACE NOT TO GIVE UP ON FYODOR CHALOV
Crystal Palace remain hopeful that Fyodor Chalov will join the club in January, according to a report in the Evening Standard.
The report states that the Eagles had a hefty £23m bid rejected for the Russian youngster, but they could go back in for him at the start of 2020, though might face competition from many clubs across the continent.
VERDICT
Palace are in desperate need for a striker, there’s no doubt about that. While Jordan Ayew is having a decent season, there is a clear void of quality up top, as their six goals from seven league games would suggest.
Christian Benteke has only amassed four goals since the beginning of the 2017/18 season, while Ayew has just three league goals from his two past seasons.
Even if Chalov hasn’t been in as great form as last year, scoring four in his opening 11, he will provide another goal threat for Palace and, at 21, would help add some much-needed younger legs to the side.
YOUNGSTER SIGNS NEW DEAL
Young Crystal Palace midfielder Malachi Boateng has signed his first professional contract with the club, as per cpfc.co.uk.
The central midfielder – younger brother of current MK Dons player and former Palace academy graduate Hiram Boateng – has had a fine start to this season, featuring four times for the under-23s and grabbing a goal versus Hull City (via cpfc.co.uk).
VERDICT
Malachi Boateng looks a decent prospect at Palace so it should get fans a little bit excited, this one.
Similarly to his older brother, he is very highly-rated within the Palace system and will be hoping he can do one better by getting a league start for Palace, something which Hiram was never able to do, despite one Premier League game and two other appearances.
WILL THIS BE WILFRIED ZAHA’S FINAL SEASON AT CRYSTAL PALACE?
YES
NO
Crystal Palace fans, how do you feel about these rumours? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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