Another player has now decided to leave Crystal Palace for Germany after Michael Olise opted to join Bayern Munich.
The France U21 international’s move to the Allianz Arena will bank the Eagles £55m – the value of his release clause – with Dougie Freedman seemingly keen to sign Club Brugge No.32 Antonio Nusa as his replacement.
In the meantime, a 22-year-old Roy Hodgson once called “very talented” has left Crystal Palace as well…
Scott Banks leaves Crystal Palace for St. Pauli
Crystal Palace have now announced that Scott Banks has left Selhurst Park to join St. Pauli on a permanent basis.
The Scotland U21 international joined the German side on loan for the 2023/24 campaign, but unfortunately suffered a serious injury just four games into the season.
However, Banks battled back to set up the goal which saw St. Pauli win the 2. Bundesliga title and secure promotion to the Bundesliga, making such an impression that the German outfit have now signed him permanently.
It is – of course – hardly as bitter a blow for Crystal Palace as losing Olise, although the Linlithgow-born forward did appear to be highly regarded at Selhurst Park.
What Roy Hodgson said about 22-year-old
As aforesaid, Hodgson once called Banks a “very talented” footballer, with the Evening Standard quoting the 76-year-old as saying back in January 2020: “I know about Scott Banks. I think he is on the verge of joining us, but he is a very young player who Doug (Dougie Freedman) knows from Scotland.
“I know he is a very talented player and the right type we are looking for so it will be nice to welcome him to the club.”
Hodgson, not exactly known for his fondness of young players after some cringeworthy comments made towards the likes of Matheus Franca and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi last season, even told the media in October 2020 that he had turned down offers for Banks, as he wanted to give him a chance.
The man from Croydon told London News Online: “We have rejected, I know, several clubs who have asked to take him on loan, because we want to keep him with us here longer and give him a chance to try and break into our first team squad before we send him away to get more footballing experience.”
READ MORE: Crystal Palace have just seen a bid rejected for £20m talent
Hopefully, Banks can avoid any further injury setbacks, and make a name for himself in the Bundesliga.
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