Arguably the key word for Crystal Palace going into this summer was ‘momentum’.
Could they maintain it? Could they build on an outstanding end to the 2023/24 season under Oliver Glasner?
Given that Michael Olise’s sale always felt inevitable – with an affordable release clause in his contract – most Crystal Palace supporters would have factored the Bayern Munich-bound Frenchman’s departure into their expectations during the transfer window.
And the signings of talented Real Betis defender Chadi Riad and particularly Daichi Kamada – a free-agent arriving as potentially one of the best value deals in the market – mean there is still a sense of optimism pervading Selhurst Park.
There has, seemingly, been very little movement regarding the much-discussed exits of Marc Guehi and Ebere Eze too.
Still, the challenge facing Glasner, Dougie Freedman and co is to ensure Palace go into 2024/25 with a stronger squad than they finished the last one. And, with Riad and Kamada already through the door, Palace at least appear to be on the right track.
A positive start to the summer for Crystal Palace
Further additions should be on the way too. HITC understands that The Eagles have made contact with Antonio Nusa; the £25 million Club Brugge whizzkid who has emerged as one of the most coveted young forwards in Europe in recent months.
There is interest in Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United and Sunderland’s Jack Clarke too; potential Olise replacements not in short supply from a club who have enjoyed serious success delving into the EFL market.
HITC reports that Palace are also leading the race for the £15 million-rated Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx.
There is, by the way, another player contracted to Wolfsburg may also be worth keeping an eye on.
Like with former Frankfurt schemer Kamada, Palace’s reported interest in Maxence Lacroix is likely to have been driven by Glasner.
It was the Austrian, after all, who brought Lacroix to Wolfsburg from Strasbourg before giving him his break in German football.
And, in an interview with Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung, Lacroix confirmed that he had been in touch with Glasner towards the end of last term. Comments which did little to quell the speculation suggesting that a reunion could be on the cards in the English capital.
“We spoke on the phone,” Lacroix explained. “That was after the game between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace (which The Eagles won 1-0 at Anfield).
“After the season we can talk (about whether I stay or go).”
Maxence Lacroix turns down Wolfsburg contract
Now, with Bundesliga action no longer a distraction, the time to talk about the future has arrived. And, according to Fabrizio Romano, Lacroix has turned down the chance to extend a contract which expires in just 12 months’ time amid interest from the Premier League and La Liga.
Lacroix, the WAZ report, is valued at around £25 million. Wolfsburg may be forced to consider bids below that figure, however, given the precarious nature of the 24-year-old’s contract situation.
If the left-footed Riad has been brought in to provide competition for Guehi – and HITC understands he has – then the right-sided Lacroix would add depth and quality in the spot that Joachim Andersen has made his own over the last few seasons.
