Crystal Palace have announced the signing of midfielder Cheick Doucoure from Lens on a five-year deal, subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old Mali international was identified as the Eagles' top transfer target earlier and arrives at Selhurst Park following several weeks of negotiations with Lens over a price, with Palace paying an initial £18million fee that could rise to £22million with add-ons.
Doucoure had previously agreed personal terms ahead of his move to Palace and becomes the club’s third signing of the summer to be announced following teenage winger Malcolm Ebiowei’s arrival on a free deal last week. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has also joined the club following the expiry of his contract at West Brom.
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"I'm very happy, I feel a lot of joy and a lot of pride to be a Palace player. I’m proud to be at Palace today," said Doucoure on his arrival. Palace chairman Steve Parish added: "Cheick's arrival is yet another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer. We are extremely confident that Cheick will adapt seamlessly to the rigours of the Premier League and that he will contribute positively to the squad, and I wish him all the very best for his time with us."
Doucoure's arrival will strengthen Patrick Vieira’s midfield significantly following the departures of both Conor Gallagher - now back with Chelsea following his loan spell last season - and Cheikhou Kouyate, who became a free agent at the beginning of July after failing to agree terms on a new deal with the club.
Vieira will primarily use Doucoure to fill the gap vacated by Kouyate in the deep midfield role though the 22-year-old can also play higher up, featuring as a No.8 for Lens alongside Seko Fofana several times last season.
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