Premier League transfer window: Who should Crystal Palace sign?
"Unless someone comes in with £60m for Zaha, I wouldn't take it."
Saturday 18 May 2019 07:09, UK
After a shaky first half to the season, Crystal Palace finished strongly and hopes are high that the 2019/20 season will be one where the Eagles fly high.
Palace were very quiet in the market last season, buying only Cheikhou Kouyate from West Ham while bringing in Max Meyer and then Michy Batshuayi on loan in the January window.
Much of the summer talk will revolve around Wilfried Zaha - can Roy Hodgson keep hold of his talisman? Read on to find out…
The manager's view
Hodgson on key players: "Nobody at the club is anxious to see any of those players [Batshuayi, Zaha or Wan-Bissaka] leave; in fact quite the reverse. That's why we've committed them to long-term contracts."
Hodgson on Batshuayi deal: "If Michy Batshuayi is going to be available and if our club could bring him here; either on-loan or buying him I would be very happy with that and I know Michy himself would be happy. When players belong to another club you can say 'we would like him' but then there has to be an agreement struck between the two clubs."
Hodgson on stepping up to next level: "If you want to keep going forward, we have to be equally as good, if not better, to finish anywhere near the top 10 because the league gets better and better every year and more and more money is spent every year. Everyone is aware of what we need to do and we just have to wait to see what transpires during the summer months."
What the stats say?
- Palace only made 58 changes to their starting line-ups this season - the third lowest in the league, suggesting a lack of strength in depth.
- Zaha was involved in 29.4 per cent of Crystal Palace's goals this season, highlighting just how big a miss he will be if he leaves.
What we know - The Sky Sports News insight
Michael Bridge: "A successful transfer window for Crystal Palace could depend on their outgoings rather than incomings.
"Their summer is likely to be dominated by the futures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha. Wan-Bissaka has had a hugely impressive first full season in Palace's senior side and it's a case of when, not if, he breaks into Gareth Southgate's England squad.
"Zaha has told the club he wants to move on, but after an unpleasant spell at Manchester United, he'll be wary not to jump ship at the first offer and there's no doubt Hodgson and Steve Parish will do all they can to keep him.
"Batshuayi impressed during his loan spell from Chelsea, scoring six goals in 13 appearances. It looked certain Chelsea would cash in on him permanently this summer, but their potential transfer ban might put his departure on hold.
"Palace could also look to strengthen their goalkeeping area after Julian Speroni left the club.
"When fit, Palace have an impressive first 11 but Hodgson might look to add some extra quality as the over reliance on Zaha still raises its head when he's out through injury."
The pundit's view
Charlie Nicholas: "I would refuse any suggestions to get Wilfried Zaha away. Unless someone comes in with £60m, I wouldn't take it.
"People say Hodgson is cautious in defence but they don't have a No 9. I would buy Batshuayi as he is better than Christian Benteke. Someone in Europe will buy him and then they need to keep the hardcore of the team.
"They should strengthen defensively and perhaps buy a goalkeeper but like many other teams, they need a striker. The key for them is to keep Zaha - he is a superstar player and entertainer and if they can keep him and Andros Townsend content, then bring Batshuayi in and possibly another No 9 too, I think it would be very good business."
Which positions are Crystal Palace targeting?
A left-back, a defensive midfielder, a winger who can play on both flanks and a striker.
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