Sources: Al-Ittihad in talks to sign Cheikhou Kouyate after Crystal Palace development
Cheikhou Kouyate is in talks to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after leaving Crystal Palace, Football Insider understands.
The 32-year-old is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Selhurst Park on Thursday (30 June).
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Al-Ittihad hope to lure the defensive midfielder to the Middle East.
The Saudi Arabian club are prepared to offer the Senegal international a lucrative long-term deal.
Crystal Palace were hopeful of retaining Kouyate’s services but failed to come to an agreement on a new deal.
Kouyate moved to Selhurst Park from West Ham in a £11million deal in August 2018.
He established himself as a regular starter for the Eagles and made a total of 141 appearances for the club.
In the 2021-22 campaign, the midfielder contributed one goal and one assist in 31 games across all competitions.
His performances helped Patrick Vieira’s side to a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.
A move to Al-Ittihad would bring to an end a 16-year spell in European football for Kouyate.
The Senegal international, who can also play as a centre-half, began his professional career in Belgium.
He played for FC Brussel and Anderlecht before completing a permanently move to West Ham in the summer of 2014.
Patrick Vieira is in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer following the departure of Kouyate and the end of Connor Gallagher’s loan spell from Chelsea.
In other news, a pundit has claimed Crystal Palace could beat Everton to the signing of Harry Winks for this reason.