After Chadi Riad agreed to join Crystal Palace, another player now wants a move to Selhurst Park.
It was confirmed on Thursday that Dougie Freedman had wrapped up a €14m (£12m) deal to sign the Morocco international from Real Betis – following “complicated” negotiations, with Barcelona also involved.
Now – however – another player has agreed to join Crystal Palace, with a deal actually said to be done…
Crystal Palace seemingly close to signing Batista Mendy
A story from Fotospor in Turkey now claims that Crystal Palace are making good progress in talks to sign Trabzonspor No.6 Batista Mendy.
The Turkish news outlet believe the Frenchman is keen to make the switch to south London, and the Super Lig outfit are demanding €15m (£13m) to sell the defensive midfielder.
Given the fact Mendy wants the move and negotiations are progressing well, Fotospor even claim the transfer is considered “done” by those at Trabzonspor – with “serious steps” set to take place imminently, which we can only assume refers to discussions over personal terms and a medical.
Furthermore, it is said that Trabzonspor are already searching for options to replace the 24-year-old using the money from his impending sale.
Mendy made 41 appearances across all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring one goal while also providing one assist – additionally, he made 16 appearances as a central defender, showcasing his versatility.
Oliver Glasner appears to want flexibility
The transfer window doesn’t even officially open until Friday 14th June, but a pattern is emerging amongst those Crystal Palace have already been linked with.
A story from UOL in Brazil claims that advanced talks are taking place with Norwich over a deal to sign Gabriel Sara – a player who can operate on the right flank, or anywhere in central midfield.
There is also believed to be interest in Lazio No.6 Daichi Kamada, who has also played as an attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder in 2023/24, as seen on Transfermarkt.
READ MORE: Who is Chadi Riad?
Now, amid interest in Mendy – who can play in midfield or defence – it could certainly be argued that Glasner specifically wants versatile players in order to mix up his tactics, just like we saw when the Austrian surprisingly played Marc Guehi in central midfield against Aston Villa last Sunday.
The post Report: After Chadi Riad, another player now wants to join Crystal Palace, £13m deal said to be done appeared first on We are Palace.