After Michael Olise decided to join Bayern Munich, Crystal Palace could sign a top South American talent to replace him.
The France Under-21 international has decided to sign for the German giants – triggering his £55million release clause – meaning Oliver Glasner is set to lose the man who is arguably his best player at Selhurst Park.
But the pain that Crystal Palace fans are currently feeling could soon be greatly reduced as a journalist suggests that the player compared to Luis Suarez could now move to SE25…
Crystal Palace could sign Thiago Almada
A post from prominent journalist César Luis Merlo now claims that Atlanta United number 10 Thiago Almada could sign for Crystal Palace.
We described Merlo as a “hint” in the headline, mainly because he says John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings are in advanced talks to sign the Argentine and it remains unclear if the deal is for him to join Botafogo, Lyon or Crystal. The palace.
Merlo wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “[EXCLUSIVE] Atlanta United are in advanced negotiations to sell Thiago Almada to Eagle Football Group. A transfer worth around $20m (£16m) is being discussed. If it is not known if he will have time at Botafogo before leaving for Lyon or Crystal Palace.
The South American has scored five goals – with one assist – in 16 games for Atalanta United in the current Major League Soccer campaign.
As previously mentioned, Almada – who has captained Atalanta United twice this season – has been compared to Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez.
The claim was made by Liverpool.com, who wrote: “His style on the ball is ferocious, but that’s not a negative. He’s stubborn, persistent, but also capable of the sublime. Indeed, when you witness it, you’re reminded of a certain former Anfield hero who he also comes from South America – Luis Suarez.”
John Textor’s condition raises doubts
While Merlo specifically names Selhurst Park as a potential destination for Almada, the current situation involving Textor makes us doubt that the American is trying to sign the 23-year-old in favor of Crystal Palace.
The 58-year-old is currently looking to sell his 45% stake in Crystal Palace after openly admitting his multi-club model is not welcome in SE25 and has a desire to buy Everton.
So – unless Textor is feeling particularly generous and wants to give Steve Parish a parting gift – we highly doubt the man from Missouri wants to sign Almada for Crystal Palace.