In a surprising turn of events, Crystal Palace has officially announced the signing of striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. This signing came as a shock to many as Nketiah was expected to join Nottingham Forest after both clubs had agreed on a fee in the region of £30 million ($40m) just last week. However, according to ESPN, the deal with Forest fell through due to issues with Nketiah’s personal terms. This unexpected twist led to Palace swooping in to secure the 25-year-old’s services.
Nketiah, who had previously been on the verge of joining Marseille before negotiations broke down, expressed his excitement about returning to South London. Having started his career at Arsenal as a 14-year-old, Nketiah has amassed 38 goals in 168 first-team appearances for the Gunners. His arrival at Palace has been met with enthusiasm from both the player and the club’s chairman, Steve Parish, who praised Nketiah’s energy, talent, and eagerness to succeed.
Maxence Lacroix’s Move to Crystal Palace
In addition to the surprising signing of Eddie Nketiah, Crystal Palace also made waves by securing the services of French center-back Maxence Lacroix from VfL Wolfsburg. Lacroix, 24, penned a five-year deal with Palace, reuniting him with manager Oliver Glasner, who had previously coached him at Wolfsburg for two seasons. This move came on the heels of Joachim Andersen’s departure to Fulham, making Lacroix the natural replacement in the heart of Palace’s defense.
The addition of Lacroix not only bolsters Palace’s backline but also adds a youthful and dynamic presence to the squad. His partnership with fellow defenders and his familiarity with Glasner’s tactics are expected to benefit the team greatly in the upcoming season. The Frenchman’s arrival signals Palace’s intent to strengthen their defensive capabilities and compete at a higher level in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace’s unexpected transfer moves have generated excitement and anticipation among fans and pundits alike. The acquisitions of Eddie Nketiah and Maxence Lacroix signify the club’s ambition to build a competitive and formidable team for the future. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Palace to see how these new signings will impact their performance on the pitch.
Leave a Reply