Crystal Palace's next big sale is obvious, new loanee stats show they have an absolute gem
Crystal Palace are surely set to sell Rio Cardines for a huge fee in the near future as he continues to impress out on loan at Bristol City.
Cardines has all the tools to be the next young Eagles star to break into their first team and become a huge asset to the club.
He continued his fine early-season form with an assist as Bristol City beat Watford 1-0 last time out.
The 20-year-old leads the assist charts in the second tier right now and has been one of the league's standout defenders so far.
Palace have a decorated recent history of developing players to become future stars, and he is surely on the same path.
The likes of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi can all provide inspiration for Cardines to reach the top of the game by becoming a regular at Selhurst Park.
Rio Cardines is on the same path as previous Crystal Palace talents
Cardines joined Palace's academy in 2022 and made his first-team debut for the club in the Conference League last October.
He made his league debut against Arsenal on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign but was loaned to Bristol City over the summer as Anan Khalaili arrived to provide depth at right wing-back.
Cardines has already registered six assists in eight Championship appearances from full-back for the Robins, with his latest coming as he crossed for Dom Ballard to score against Watford.
The Palace loanee created the most chances (7) of anyone on the pitch at Ashton Gate, and has the best chances created per 90 stat (4.28) of all fullbacks in the Championship so far.
Cardines leads all players in England's top four leagues for assists, chances created and passes played into the opposition box so far, and is clearly on the right track to becoming a real star for Palace.
Cardines tipped for stardom by Michael Skubala
He is also in the 98th percentile for successful crosses per 90, 100th percentile for expected assists per 90, and among the best fullbacks in the second tier for clearances and percentage of duels won.
Robins manager Skubala praised the Trinidad international after their win over Watford, insisting how pleased he has been with his progress since joining on loan.
He said: "Rio is still learning the game tactically, but his record of assists this season is exceptional. We knew we were signing a very talented young player, but his dead-ball striking is so impressive.
“We just have to look after him and hope he gets back from the international break in one piece. That goes for all the players involved for their respective countries."