‘Dougie Freedman hands Crystal Palace list of summer signings after exit talks’
Crystal Palace have been left instructions for the summer transfer window by Dougie Freedman ahead of his departure from Selhurst Park.
This has been an impressive season for the Eagles, who once again sit comfortably in mid-table in the Premier League, while they have also reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
It is also understood that Crystal Palace are making progress over a new contract for manager Oliver Glasner, whose current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season.
However, the club are losing one key behind the scenes figure, which will have caused concern around Selhurst Park.
Dougie Freedman takes transfer action before Saudi Arabia move
Last week, it emerged that sporting director Dougie Freedman is set to leave his role at Crystal Palace in a big money move.
The 50-year-old is due to take on a role with Al-Diriyah, who have just won promotion from the Saudi Arabian third division.
In doing so, he will leave a role that he has held at Selhurst Park since the summer of 2017, during which time he has acquired a number of gems for the Eagles, including the likes of Michael Olise and Adam Wharton.
| Crystal Palace last five games | Result |
| Everton (H) | Lost 2-1 |
| Fulham (A) | Won 2-0 |
| Aston Villa (H) | Won 4-1 |
| Millwall (A) | Won 3-1 |
| Ipswich (H) | Won 1-0 |
While that means his exit is a concern for Crystal Palace, a new report from The Standard suggests Freedman’s influence could still be felt at the club beyond his departure this month.
It is stated that outgoing sporting director has held meetings at the Premier League club’s training ground over the international break, where he handed over a list of targets for the summer transfer window.
That will at least mean that Glasner and co. will have some idea of the direction they are heading in once the market opens, even after the departure of Freedman, and can hope to emulate his previous success after he’s gone.
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With Freedman having developed a reputation for pulling off some excellent business on the cheap at Selhurst Park, it will be seen as good news that he has given them a list of targets for the summer.
It is likely that the club will be facing a fight to keep hold of a number of their key players this summer, with Man United, Man City and Tottenham all chasing Wharton.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are looking to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in a cut-price deal, as players signed by Freedman attract attention from elsewhere.
Replacing such important individuals will not be easy for the Eagles, especially if they have not found a replacement for the 50-year-old by that point.
But given he has now handed over a list of targets, Crystal Palace do at least have an idea of who to aim for as they look to keep their squad as strong as possible.
Indeed, with the success Freedman has enjoyed in the market during his time at Selhurst Park, they should have plenty of confidence in any of those potential deals working out as well.