Transfer news: Club not eager to sell Palace target
Crystal Palace join race to sign in-demand Barcelona winger – report
In the last few days, Ez Abde has been frequently in the news related to FC Barcelona. The Moroccan winger has his future at the Catalan club highly uncertain for now, and other clubs interested in him are keeping an eye on his situation to take the explosive winger to their own teams if an opportunity arises.
Abde spent a highly productive loan with Osasuna last season. This summer, the winger returned to Barcelona and has impressed Xavi and the club with his performances in the preseason and the two competitive games played till now. However, his high demand in the market and the club’s need for funds make him an attractive option for the club for a sale.
Another Premier League club interested in Abde
The Moroccan forward has been performing at a very high level for the entirety of the last year, both with his club teams and at the international level with Morocco. As a result, his stock has been high in the transfer market.
Teams like Real Betis and Aston Villa have been linked with the Moroccan international recently, while Bayer Leverkusen were the most strongly associated with the player. The German side was willing to pay as much as €20 million for him.
Now Mundo Deportivo reports that another side has gotten interested in the winger. This side is the Premier League club Crystal Palace, who currently have Abde on their target list, and can go for him in the remaining days of the transfer window.
Barcelona not too eager to sell Abde
However, Barcelona coaching staff is impressed by Abde’s performances in the last few matches, and in a meeting with his agent yesterday, Deco communicated that Xavi does not want Abde to be transferred as he plans to replace Dembele with him. His minutes in the first two games are further proof of Xavi’s confidence in the player.
Still, Barcelona are in dire need of funds and can sell the player if an important offer arrives for him. The Catalans would not sell the winger for less than €20 million, and Crystal Palace would have to put up this amount if they want the winger.
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Crystal Palace’s stance on Cheick Doucore revealed amid Liverpool interest
Amidst the flurry of speculation surrounding Crystal Palace’s young talents, Liverpool FC’s pursuit of Cheick Doucoure has surely been a narrative that garnered attention in the final few days of the summer transfer window.
However, the latest revelation from Evening Standard casts a shadow over Liverpool’s hopes, as Palace’s determination to retain the 23-year-old defensive midfielder emerges as a significant hurdle.
The mention of Manchester City’s interest in Eberechi Eze and Liverpool’s pursuit of Cheick Doucoure underscores Crystal Palace’s position as a breeding ground for young talent. The South London club’s ability to nurture promising players has certainly drawn the attention of elite clubs, setting the stage for intriguing transfer narratives.
Liverpool’s interest in Doucoure stems from a pressing need. The departure of key players during the summer transfer window left a void in the club’s defensive midfield ranks. The search for reinforcements in this crucial role has guided Liverpool’s pursuits, with Doucoure emerging as a potential solution.
What next for the Reds?
The assertion that Crystal Palace remain ‘desperate’ to retain Doucoure signals a potential blow to Liverpool’s aspirations. The determination to hold onto the 23-year-old underscores Palace’s recognition of his value and potential impact. This development certainly paints a challenging picture for Liverpool as they seek to bolster their squad.
The departure of key players, including Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, left Liverpool with a tactical gap to fill. The need for strong defensive midfielders remains an ongoing narrative, as the club looks to maintain its competitive edge and strategic balance on the field.
The intricacies of transfer negotiations often hinge on various factors, including the player’s preference, the club’s stance, and market dynamics. The situation surrounding Doucoure highlights the complexities involved in securing key targets, especially when the selling club is resolute in retaining their talent.
The need for defensive midfield reinforcements at Anfield remains a pressing concern, and the pursuit of suitable additions continues to shape the club’s summer narrative. As the transfer window inches towards its close, we can only hope that the Reds address these issues.