We’re now just one week away from the summer transfer window opening and it’s already shaping up to be a big one for Patrick Vieira as he aims to take Crystal Palace to the next level.
The Eagles had one of their busiest ever summers in 2021 with several players leaving the club and a whole host of new faces coming through the door to help Vieira shape his team in his first season as a Premier League manager. If this summer is anything like the last then Palace will be extremely active as soon as the window officially opens on Friday, June 10 all the way until deadline day on Thursday, September 1.
Vieira’s first season in south London could not have gone much better given the circumstances he was put under. With a completely reshaped squad, he managed to get Palace playing attractive, free-flowing football and instil a new sense of pride in a fanbase that had largely grown tired of Roy Hodgson after four years of Premier League survival.
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By ending the season 12th in the table the club ultimately fell short of their goal of having a top-half finish, but memorable wins over top sides like Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United - as well as an FA Cup run that took them all the way to Wembley and the semi-finals - still feels like a job very well done for Vieira and his team.
Now the task for Vieira, chairman Steve Parish and director of football Dougie Freedman is to try and build on that success by strengthening the squad with additions that can improve the team as well as fill any holes that are left by departing players. Last season the squad rebuild came at a tune of just over £60million, and while it might be unrealistic to see Palace spend that amount of money once again there is still hope that sensible business can be done and exciting players recruited.
Looking ahead to the summer it’s no secret that Palace are in desperate need to strengthen in key areas, especially through the spine of the team. Another centre-back will be needed to provide cover and competition for Joachim Andersen and Marc Guhei, a central midfielder or two will be needed to replace Conor Gallagher and take less burden off the ageing James McArthur, while a new striker would also be helpful considering the relatively disappointing season in front of goal had by Christian Benteke, Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
But what will a successful transfer window look like for Crystal Palace when everything is tied up on September 1? Well, football.london takes a look at what would be the best and worst-case scenario summer transfer window for the Eagles. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Best case
Starting with the done deals and expected business, there should be contract extensions on the horizon for James McArthur, Nathaniel Clyne and Jordan Ayew. All three have deals that expire at the end of the season though the group are reportedly all keen to stay in SE25 for longer. football.london understands that McArthur has already agreed to a new deal, while Clyne and Ayew are likely to follow suit.
Cheikhou Kouyate’s deal is also due to run out before the start of the new campaign, with several clubs reportedly interested in taking him from south London to start a new chapter of his career. The Senegal international was a useful tool for Vieira last season though, with the Frenchman often praising his physicality and vital experience as one of the senior members of the dressing room. In an ideal world, he would be tied down to a new deal.
As would Wilfried Zaha, who has one year left on his contract at Palace. If he were to commit to a new deal it would undoubtedly be the biggest news of the summer for Eagles fans and would represent a serious shift in attitude from previous windows where the Ivorian international has flirted with departure. Last season Zaha scored a career-best 15 goals in all competitions and is clearly enjoying working under Vieira.
Meanwhile, a deal to bring free agent Sam Johnstone to the club seems to be growing closer. His arrival could spell the end for Jack Butland, though he’ll offer more competition for the number one spot and will likely replace Vicente Guaita as the club’s new long-term number one should he make his move in the coming months.
In defence, competition is needed for Guehi and Andersen at centre-back, and with Martin Kelly announcing his departure from the club after eight years of service, there is even more need to bring in a new player. James Tomkins’ future is uncertain though he cannot be relied upon to start games regularly and offer the same type of performance as Guehi or Andersen. Palace have been linked with Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Bayern Munich's Chris Richards so far. Neither would be expected to start every match but could slot into the backline when needed with a view of developing their game in Vieira’s system.
At right-back, there are still good options in Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne (should the latter sign a new deal) but with both now over the age of 30, a replacement could be on the cards. To that end, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been touted as a potential name to bring back to the club from Manchester United. It would be a difficult deal to pull off, not least due to the number of clubs interested in the defender, but a loan move for the 24-year-old academy graduate would represent fantastic business.
In midfield, Cheick Doucoure of Lens is reportedly Vieira’s number one target for the window and could go straight into the starting XI. A second central midfielder who can replicate the high-energy pressing that came from Conor Gallagher last season would also be ideal, with Lewis O’Brien of Huddersfield Town earmarked by several Premier League clubs already as a standout prospect from the Championship.
A new striker could then be the icing on the cake for Palace fans. Last summer’s deadline day signing of Odsonne Edouard from Celtic has failed to find too much form in red and blue but Palace could look back to the Scottish Premiership to find another marksman in Rangers’ Joe Aribo. The 25-year-old was born in south London and is said to have ‘serious interest’ from Palace who want to boost their options in front of goal.
So Palace’s best-case summer transfer window would see contract extensions for key players plus the addition of a centre-back, right-back, two central midfielders and a new striker to provide serious competition for places in Vieira’s team without harming the squad harmony by completely overhauling the team for the second year in a row.
Worst case
Of course, the worst-case scenario going into any transfer window is if the club does no business at all. For Palace, if they were to not address the centre-back or central midfield positions this summer then it’s difficult to see how they would be any stronger for the 2022/23 campaign.
But while new signings will be important, it’s also going to be crucial for Vieira, Parish and Freedman to ensure they hold onto their best talents. Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise are all young stars tied down on long contracts though that doesn’t mean Palace won’t be forced to entertain a bid if it’s too good to ignore.
It’s unlikely that either of the trio would leave ahead of the new campaign given their importance to Vieira and clear signs of progression playing in his team. Olise is reportedly in talks to renew his contract at the club to ward off such interest, with a higher release clause being inserted into his deal to ensure that, if Palace are forced to sell at some point, it’ll be on their terms.
And while a new contract for Wilfried Zaha would be the standout moment of the summer for Palace fans were it to happen, seeing the club legend depart ahead of the new campaign would equally be a huge low point. Although Vieira has lessened the attacking burden on Zaha’s shoulders he is still the leader up front, contributing more than any of his teammates in front of goal.
With a year left on his contract seeing him leave this summer would mean Palace get a fee for his services, though that would likely pale in comparison to the hole he would leave behind. It would also mean the club need to find a replacement which won’t be easy, especially someone who can immediately hit double figures for goals upon arrival.
