NafisaCrystal Palace have reportedly agreed personal terms with young Angers striker Sidiki Cherif, according to reports from France, as Oliver Glasner aims to bolster his squad in the winter months.
The Eagles won their first major honour last season via the FA Cup, becoming a favourable destination for players abroad. Although they have faltered in form in recent weeks, with a shock loss to non-league Macclesfield being a part of that on Saturday, they could still win another major trophy by winning the Conference League come the end of the season.
That would only further tempt players from across Europe to move to south London, and it’s been evidenced by reports that they have agreed terms with Cherif over a potential move.
Report: Crystal Palace ‘Agree Personal Terms’ With Sidiki Cherif
The report by journalist Fabrice Hawkins on Wednesday morning states that Palace have reached an agreement with Cherif over a potential move.
The Eagles have been poor over the festive period and beyond the turn of the new year, though they are now continuing negotiations with Angers to land the 19-year-old striker.
It’s thought that Palace chiefs are confident of landing their man, which could see Cherif become the biggest sale in Angers’ 107-year history, eclipsing the reported £21.5million sale of former Arsenal star Jeff-Reine Adelaide to Lyon in 2019.
That would also put the ‘powerhouse‘ above top talents such as Nicolas Pepe, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Sofiane Boufal and more, showing Palace’s desire to bring the teenager into the club – especially after starting in 13 Ligue 1 games this season, scoring four goals, which have come against the likes of Monaco, Marseille and Brittany neighbours Nantes.
Palace already have Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah in their ranks, though Mateta has long been linked with a move away from the Eagles and with summer signing Christantus Uche so far failing to get to grips with the Premier League, a new, younger option may well be brought in if any of the aforementioned trio leave.
Crystal Palace’s Strong History of Buying Youth Stars May Continue
Palace have typically been strong at attracting young talents to their squad in recent times, and this season has been no different.
While the likes of Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have all honed their craft at Palace in the present and the past, this summer has seen Yeremy Pino impress fans after his move from Villarreal, whilst Jaydee Canvot appears to have made the step-up to the Premier League with ease.
It’s early days just yet, but Cherif – born in 2006 – has made solid progress in his Angers career so far. If he can learn from Mateta and Nketiah, who have 70 top-flight goals between them, then it could prove to be a stroke of genius by Steve Parish.
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