Dougie Freedman has proven himself capable of sealing a number of transfers in the market for Crystal Palace.
The Glaswegian can handle expensive moves, such as the deal for Cheick Doucoure – which cost £22m – and the £26m signing of Matheus Franca.
Crystal Palace’s Director of Football can also navigate the free transfer market quite effectively, previously bringing the likes of Vicente Guaita, Gary Cahill, Sam Johnstone and Jefferson Lerma to Selhurst Park for nothing.
Now – according to sources in Italy – Dougie Freedman is hoping to secure another free transfer for Crystal Palace this summer…
Crystal Palace want to sign Wilfred Ndidi
Well, Crystal Palace lost one Wilfried last summer when Zaha departed for Galatasaray, but the Ivorian’s namesake – albeit spelt without the i – is now being targeted in Wilfred Ndidi.
That is according to Tutto Juve – with Juventus also hoping to sign the Nigeria international when his contract with Leicester City expires this summer.
The Italian news outlet believe West Ham, Everton, Sevilla, Getafe and Fenerbahce also want to sign Ndidi – who was called a “world class” footballer by Tim Sherwood.
So far this season, the man from Lagos has made 28 appearances in the Championship for Leicester City – scoring two goals while also providing five assists.
Dougie Freedman could strike gold
In our view, this has the potential to be a vintage Freedman deal – and arguably the signing of the 2024 summer window if a free transfer can actually be agreed.
Let’s not forget that Ndidi was widely considered to be one of the best in the Premier League during his seven seasons with the Foxes in England’s top-flight.
There was even talk of Real Madrid being interested back in 2021 – with All Nigeria Soccer adding that Arsenal, Manchester United and PSG wanted to sign the Leicester City No.25 at the time as well.
Ndidi eventually amassed 192 Premier League appearances before dropping into the Championship last summer, and if Freedman can pinch the midfield maestro – who is still just 27 – on a free transfer, the potential upside could be significant.
On his day – and with more time remaining on his contract – the man with seven goals and nine assists in the Premier League is a £50m midfielder, who thrives at winning back possession.
After all, there is a reason why Leicester City signed Ndidi to replace N’Golo Kante.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the Nigerian could replace Will Hughes this summer – the Crystal Palace No.19 is out of contract in July, as are seven other players at Selhurst Park.
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