Crystal Palace can view their summer transfer window with satisfaction, despite leaving significant business until the final hours before the deadline. The club successfully held onto star duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, who were both keen to depart but remained resolute in their contracts.
Mateta is expected to knuckle down and perform, similar to his reaction when a move to AC Milan collapsed in January. Sarr's agent, however, expressed frustration with the club's decision not to facilitate a move, despite the player signing a five-year contract two years prior without a release clause. Crystal Palace had no obligation to sell the attacker, who still has three years remaining on his deal. His path to a future transfer may involve demonstrating his value on the pitch, especially with the club competing in the Europa League.
Squad Reinforcements and Departures
Beyond retaining their star forwards, Crystal Palace bolstered their squad with several new additions. Dario Osorio, a winger from Danish club Midtjylland, was signed and is seen as having significant upside, fitting well into manager Pierre Sage's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Osorio averaged a goal or assist every 180 minutes last season.
The club also addressed a previous transfer misstep by moving on Brennan Johnson, who arrived for £30 million in January but did not meet expectations. Johnson was involved in a swap deal that saw Dwight McNeil arrive at Palace. This move helped manage the wage bill and recoup some of the investment made in Johnson, a move necessitated by the club's financial constraints.
Evann Guessand has returned on loan after a previous stint, providing backup on the left wing. The acquisition of Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake signals a strategy of signing young talent for the future, allowing them to develop under established players. This approach contrasts with last season, where Palace had limited options in attacking midfield and on the wing, often requiring midfielders to fill in. This season, the club has increased depth in these positions, providing more competition and alternatives.
Defensive Considerations
The central defensive area remains a point of concern, despite additions. Axel Disasi has arrived on loan to strengthen the defense, replacing Maxence Lacroix. While Lacroix offered recovery pace and physicality, Disasi brings experience, having previously improved West Ham's defense. However, Disasi is considered a downgrade from Lacroix, who was a World Cup starter for France. Honest Ahanor joined on deadline day from Atalanta, though he is set to join Chelsea next summer.
Jaydee Canvot and Chris Richards are considered promising but lack experience. Richards has proven effective at right center-back but could be forced into the middle if Disasi is unavailable. Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jefferson Lerma provide cover in multiple defensive roles. The failure to secure another central defender could be a significant omission given the fragility of the backline without Disasi.
Midfield and Full-back Additions
Daniel Munoz was sold to Nottingham Forest for £22 million, a move deemed sensible from a business perspective as he had reached his peak transfer value. He was replaced by Anan Khalaili, who is viewed as a younger prospect with a higher ceiling. In midfield, Quinten Timber was acquired to add athleticism and ball-winning capabilities, replacing Justin Devenny. Timber's profile is expected to suit the Premier League and will help cover for Daichi Kamada's absence during the Asia Cup.
Ben Chilwell was signed on a free transfer from Strasbourg, offering an upgrade on Borna Sosa, who struggled to make an impact. Chilwell's injury record is a concern, but he managed 34 appearances last season. Sosa has since joined Cologne on loan.
Overall, Crystal Palace has focused on building a complete squad with multiple options in every position, addressing a key weakness from the previous season. The team now possesses a 28-man squad, providing manager Pierre Sage with the ability to rotate players and compete on both domestic and European fronts. While potential moves for Joel Ordonez and Malick Fofana did not materialize, the club remains interested in Ordonez for a future window. The significant turnover of players suggests it may take time for the squad to gel, but the team appears to be in a stronger position heading into the season.