Journalist: Crystal Palace pushing to sign 19-year-old forward | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Chase Sidiki Chérif as Deadline Drama Builds

Crystal Palace’s January has developed into a familiar Premier League story, urgency, opportunity, and a search for goals. With Oliver Glasner refining his attacking options, attention has turned to Angers striker Sidiki Chérif, a 19 year old forward who has suddenly become central to Palace’s late window plans.

Credit for the latest details belongs to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, whose update paints a picture of a deal shaped as much by player preference as by finance. Tavolieri wrote, “🦅 Crystal Palace are trying again for Sidiki Chérif… who choses Fenerbahçe!

“⚫️⚪️ Angers want the Turkish club to match the payment terms that had been offered by the Eagles, which is straining and complicating negotiations between the parties.

Glasner shapes attacking options

Palace have already moved in this window. Brennan Johnson adds thrust from wide areas, Evann Guessand arrives with potential to grow after a modest spell at Aston Villa, and there remains a sense that the club wants one more focal point. A striker can change how a side breathes, how it holds territory, how it turns possession into threat.

Jorgen Strand Larsen had been monitored, yet that trail has cooled. Chérif therefore represents both a gamble and a statement. He is young, upwardly mobile, and, as one scout might put it, “a forward who attacks space with hunger and little fear.”

Mateta future adds urgency

Jean Philippe Mateta’s situation increases the stakes. With reports of interest from Milan and talk of personal terms, Palace must prepare for life after a forward who has delivered 38 league goals since the start of 2023-24. Replacing that output requires planning rather than hope.

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There is also a broader strategy at work. Palace’s recruitment has leaned towards players who can rise in value. Chérif fits that profile. If Fenerbahçe cannot satisfy Angers on payment terms, Palace’s earlier proposal becomes relevant again. Windows often turn on such details.

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From a Crystal Palace fan’s perspective, this report brings mixed feelings. There is excitement at seeing the club active and ambitious, yet also anxiety about losing Mateta. He has been a reliable source of goals, and supporters do not forget that easily.

Chérif sounds intriguing. Young forwards from France often adapt well in England, and fans enjoy watching talent develop. Still, there is caution. Palace supporters have seen promising signings need time, and time is scarce in a relegation scrap or even a mid table squeeze.

Many fans would ask whether the recruitment team targets readiness or resale. Ideally both. If Chérif arrives, patience from the stands will matter. Selhurst Park can lift a player, but expectations arrive quickly too.