Crystal Palace plotting to sign wing-back in January – Transfer expert
Crystal Palace are assessing the transfer market in their search for new wing-backs as fears over an injury crisis continue to grow.
This is according to former Man United, West Ham and Tottenham scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the transfer team already have an idea of potential targets.
The latest addition to Palace’s long list of injuries is Eddie Nketiah after the striker picked up a hamstring injury in training.
He joins Matheus Franca, Chadi Riad, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Jefferson Lerma, Joel Ward and Chris Richards on the growing list of first-team injuries.
Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz have been the first-choice wing-back duo under Oliver Glasner, but the lack of depth in the positions has been a cause for concern.
Nathaniel Clyne represents the main backup option on both sides of the defence, underlining their issues, but as the injury crisis worsens, there is a feeling they will need to add to that depth.
Palace academy product Franco Umeh had also been considered as a potential backup option at wing-back, but the 19-year-old has also picked up an injury.
Crystal Palace eye new wing-back in January transfer swoop
The Eagles named four young players, including Umeh, on their bench in the 2-2 draw against Wolves, such is the magnitude of their issues.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in player recruitment at the top level, including in over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Eagles have been tracking potential options since the window closed.
“Palace will want to sign a new wing-back,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve no doubt been having a look at potential replacements since the transfer window closed, because they know that’s an area they could improve.
“Especially with the injury issues they’ve got at the moment. They want to add to their depth.
“Mitchell is very consistent and Munoz has been one of their better players.
“But behind them, there’s not really much to choose from. Clyne is reliable but he’s not getting any younger.
“The recruitment team will always be asking questions about what happens if this player gets injured or that player gets injured.
“Wing-back, from what I’ve heard, will be a priority for them if the right option comes up in January.
“It will also depend on their financial situation, I can’t see them spending seriously big money so that comes into it. They’ll have an idea already of who might be achievable.”
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