11th Jun 2024 • Written by Bruno Collingridge

Exclusive: Crystal Palace eyeing Lacroix alternatives

Crystal Palace have been scouting Borussia Dortmund’s centre-back Soumaila Coulibaly, The Palace Way understands. The 20-year-old is a product of Paris Saint-Germain's academy, but chose to leave in 2021 for playing time.

Coulibaly is a tall left-footed defender, and has spent the season playing next to Toby Alderweireld on loan at Antwerpt in the Belgian Pro League.

With just 35 senior appearances to his name (not including games played for Dortmund's reserve side), he wouldn't be a starter for the Eagles. Instead, he'd provide much-needed depth with the benefit of youth and high potential - a trademark of Palace's recent transfer market activity.

Crystal Palace currently have a wealth of central defenders to choose from, with Marc Guehi, Chris Richards, Joachim Andersen, Rob Holding, and new signing Chadi Riad all naturals in that position. However, with Guehi's future uncertain, Holding's injury record, and Glasner's preference to play with three centre-backs, it's unsurprising Dougie Freedman is looking at reinforcements.

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Riad would appear to be a preemptive Guehi replacement, suggesting that Coulibaly would serve as a left-footed deputy to the Moroccan international in the case that Guehi leaves this summer.

In addition to Coulibaly, Palace have also been tracking Benfica's 22-year-old centre-back Tomas Araujo, who has made 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga.

Unlike Coulibaly, Araujo is right-footed, and is capable of playing anywhere across a back three.

Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, who previously worked with Glasner, is certainly the Palace’s manager’s first choice as a defensive signing. However, despite having just one year left on his contract, the player may be out of the Eagles' budget.

Palace would rather sign a cheaper alternative, namely Coulibaly or Araujo, allowing them prioritise depth throughout the team.

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This depth would specfically be in the forward and wing-back positions. Archie Brown has been extensively scouted as a back-up to Tyrick Mitchell, while Real Betis' Juan Miranda has also been watched by members of Palace's recruitment team.

Although Coulibaly and Araujo are relatively inexperienced, they have also both had recent seasons out on loan in a top 8 European league. This isn’t a dissimilar position to Marc Guehi’s when Palace signed him after a year and a half with Swansea.

Left-footed academy defender Mofe Jemide is extremely highly-rated by both Palace and England, and could break into the first team within the next few seasons. Palace are understood to want the 17-year-old to remain with the under-21s for now, however, a loan may not be far away for the young talent.

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