Crystal Palace summer plans, depth priority after Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Crystal Palace enter the window with a settled core but need depth after their Conference League win brought Europa League football. According to NY Times, January’s outlay points to a targeted rather than lavish summer.

The schedule told, results dipped from mid-December. Palace won 4 of their final 23 league games and finished 15th.

They signed Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen in January for around £80m combined, and took Evann Guessand on loan for £2m. The £28m purchase option has expired.

Recruitment is led by Steve Parish and sporting director Matt Hobbs, and targets exist despite Oliver Glasner’s exit. They do not yet have a manager. Cover is needed at right wing-back and in midfield, with Jefferson Lerma’s option likely.

Cheick Doucoure has missed much of the past two and a half years. Daichi Kamada is out of contract, and uncertainty would heighten the need. Adam Wharton could attract bids and Palace would demand a significant fee.

Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is a long-term midfield target, with no formal offer and rival interest. If Guessand is not signed, another forward will be required, and Christantus Uche returns to Getafe.

There is no need to sell, though Jean-Philippe Mateta has rejected new terms and is out of contract next summer. A January move to Milan collapsed after a knee injury. Bids for Daniel Munoz, Wharton and Maxence Lacroix would be considered, although Palace are reluctant on Lacroix.

Source: NY Times