Wan Last Dance: Should Palace look to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
Rooney at Everton. Tevez at Boca. Ronaldo at United. Three undisputed legends of the game, returning to their old clubs at the end of their careers for one last dance in front of the fans that helped make them. With his future uncertain, and interest from South London, it may be time for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to take the floor.
Whilst he does not have the stardom of Rooney or Ronaldo, a return to Palace could be fitting for Wan-Bissaka. His career started there in meteoric fashion, stepping up to play right-back during an injury crisis at twenty years of age, despite spending his entire time in the academy as a forward-minded winger. After 42 appearances for the Eagles, winning five player of the month awards, and player of the season for 2018/19, Manchester United came in sniffing. Forty-five million pounds was enough to take him to Old Trafford, where his career stalled. His fee, however, was able to fund a large amount of the new academy, promising a bright future for future young Eagles.
With his contract expiring in 12 months time, and seemingly on his way out at Old Trafford, could a return to Selhurst Park be on the cards for one of Palace’s greatest academy talents?
Where would Wan-Bissaka fit?
Wan-Bissaka may be able to fit into a few positions under Glasner. The first, and most obvious position, would be at right wing-back, as Daniel Muñoz’s understudy. His great athleticism would make him an excellent deputy, and would also a slightly different set of talents in the position.
Whilst Muñoz is a threat going forwards, and solid defensively, Wan-Bissaka is statistically much more progressive on the ball, despite "the eye test" suggesting otherwise. Wan-Bissaka is in the 58th percentile for progressive passes, compared to Muñoz who is in the 7th. As well as this, Wan-Bissaka also completes more progressive carries than the Colombian. This is possibly the product of playing in Erik Ten Hag's system, where each player is required to contribute in both defence and attack, whilst Muñoz tends to influence play with his press and receiving the ball when already forward.
Credit: Adrian Dennis/Getty Images
Wan-Bissaka could also slot in at centre-back for the Eagles. In recent times, both Ward and Clyne have received new leases of life by slotting into this role, and it could suit Wan-Bissaka too. Here, his progressive passing and carrying would also be beneficial to Glasner, as it would allow strong build-up from the back, as well as giving him the option to carry into midfield and launch an attack more directly.
His recovery pace would also be helpful should Palace get turned too, with his top speed at 37.59km/h. As well as this, Wan-Bissaka’s tackling ability remains excellent, with his long legs enabling him to complete seemingly impossible challenges.
Palace fans may also remember last season, in a 1-1 draw with United at Selhurst, that Zaha was practically in one-on-one with De Gea, and may have won the game for Palace if not for Wan-Bissaka’s turn of pace and incredible slide tackle. This one moment epitomises the role Wan-Bissaka could play at centre-back for Palace, acting as a sweeper in a defence made up of slower, more physical players like Joachim Andersen.
On top of this, Wan-Bissaka has also played at left-back for United this season. Whilst it is not his natural position, being able to provide some extra cover for Tyrick Mitchell, who has played nearly every minute of Premier League football for the last few seasons, would be a huge advantage of signing Wan-Bissaka. His ability to slot in anywhere along the backline, and do a decent job, makes him an appealing prospect to sign.
Is Wan-Bissaka a realistic signing?
Manchester United are understood to not be demanding an extortionate fee for the 26-year-old, with Wan-Bissaka entering the final year of his contract this year with an extension seemingly off the cards. United’s new ownership may also accelerate the matter, with the INEOS group looking to create a new culture at Old Trafford, which could lead to players like Wan-Bissaka being forced out the club.
Credit: Ash Donelon/Getty Images
On top of this, the potential departures of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen may leave the club with good spending money, and a need for defensive backups. Guehi has been rumoured with moves away all season, with United and Arsenal being interested, whilst Newcastle reportedly tabled a £30m bid for Andersen last summer. Any money from these potential sales could be used to bring in a replacement defensive option, which Wan-Bissaka could provide, either starting or as a good depth option.
Should Palace sign Wan-Bissaka?
Although few Palace fans would complain about the signing of Wan-Bissaka, there are some potential issues that may arise.
Firstly, he is likely to demand a high wage, which may make him a less appealing option for Palace, especially if he is brought in for depth due his versatility. On top of this, Wan-Bissaka has had injury problems this season, missing 18 games through injury this campaign, with 12 of these coming in the Premier League. Missing around a third of the season’s gametime should be concerning to the Palace hierarchy, who may look to find a less injury prone signing.
As well as this, it’s hard to see where Wan-Bissaka would fit in as a starting player. At 26, his age means he does not fit in with Palace’s transfer model of signing young, high potential players with high resale potential.
At his age, and cost of transfer and wage, it seems possible to find better, younger options on the market who could also offer depth, with the potential of starting in the future. Should Palace sell Guehi this summer, the profits could easily be reinvested in a younger, nailed-on starter to directly replace the England internation.
Credit: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Wan-Bissaka does not have a strong enough claim on any starting position, which would leave him as only a squad player, which may not be what he wants after leaving United.
Wan-Bissaka represents decent squad depth, as a player. His ability to slot in across the defence would make him a useful signing for Palace, especially with the prospect of him being “one of their own”. However, he would be on high wages, and would make limited appearances, mainly from the bench. With enough scouting of the market, younger, cheaper players may be available to a similar job for less, whilst fitting with Palace’s model.
Therefore, whilst Wan-Bissaka would not be a bad signing for Palace, and would bring benefits, there may be better options on the market that Palace should first consider.
(Top Photo: Sebastian Frej via Getty Images)
Tom Reynolds
WRITER
Tom is a linguistics student from Wiltshire, and has followed Palace since he was eleven. In between matchdays, he can be found swearing at Football Manager, missing his lectures, and terrorising his friends with an array of poorly constructed puns. Tom brings with him a decade-long love for Crystal Palace, and a sense of humour picked up from watching too many comedy clips instead of working.
https://x.com/thepalaceway0 comments
Post