10th Jul 2024 • Written by Haris Armstrong

Crystal Palace tracking a number of domestic players to bolster squad

Crystal Palace are actively looking in the domestic market in order to bolster their squad before the new campaign. 

With Michael Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich finally confirmed and there being concrete interest in both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze, a number of young home-grown players have been tracked to fill voids across the pitch. 

Defensively, Palace are keen on free agent Ryan Sessegnon who was released by Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the 2023/24 season. 

The talented 24-year-old left-back was once incredibly highly rated in English football and is searching for a place to reignite his career. He has been training with Palace in recent weeks, with the aim to join permanently. 

Palace will view any potential deal as risk-free and relatively easy to complete.

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As previously reported by The Palace Way, there is long-standing interest in Gent’s Archie Brown. The 22-year-old defender has won many plaudits over the past few seasons and made his England U20 debut in June.  

Deployed primarily as a left-back, Brown is also capable of operating in a central defensive role. 

Both Sessegnon and Brown would provide Tyrick Mitchell with much-needed competition. 

With Sessegnon available as a free agent, it is likely Palace will opt to move in that direction, especially given the player’s experience in the higher echelons of English football. 

In midfield, both Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham and Birmingham City’s Jordan James are names that have been considered. 

Bellingham is coming off the back of an impressive Championship season with the Black Cats whilst Welsh international James was a standout performer in the Blue’s underwhelming season - notching eight goals in 42 league appearances.

Bellingham is the preferred candidate for Oliver Glasner’s system requirements, but currently remains unconvinced that a move this summer will be best for his development. 

Palace may have to exercise patience in their pursuit of the Birmingham City academy graduate, with a view to securing his services next summer. 

Sporting Director Dougie Freedman has a track record of gradually convincing players that Selhurst Park is the best destination for their career progression - Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Malcolm Ebiowei were all won over by the Scot’s charm offensive.

Further forward, Palace have identified Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and Manchester City’s James McAtee as options to bolster their attacking depth. 

McAtee, the subject of long-term admiration from the Palace recruitment team, is a versatile left-footed attacking midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles behind a frontman. 

Aged just 21, his potential is significant and he fits Palace’s well-documented model of signing young talented players with high resale value. 

Luring Smith Rowe away from the Emirates would be a much harder task for Palace. Initial explorations have taken place, but it is thought that any deal would require a significant outlay. 

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Game time would certainly be on offer to the 23-year-old whose career has stagnated in recent seasons. 

Palace also held a long-term interest in Hull City’s Jaden Philogene. The 22-year-old enjoyed a stellar season in the Championship, but is now likely to end up elsewhere. Philogene has never been Palace’s first choice, and the Eagles are comfortable letting him move elsewhere provided they can bring their desired targets to Selhurst Park.

Despite their desire for young domestic talent, Palace have plenty of options from abroad, including both Antonio Nusa and Matias Soule.

Thumbnail Credit: Rich Linley/CameraSport/Getty Images 

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