Crystal Palace could secure a natural heir to talismanic forward Wilfried Zaha this summer after being linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke.
What’s the story?
According to The Sun, the highly-rated 19-year-old has caught the eye of the Eagles’ hierarchy as they plan a major overhaul of the first-team squad.
The report claims that PSV are set to demand £20 million for their prized asset in an attempt to put off any potential suitors, while fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City have also been credited with an interest in Madueke.
New Wilfried Zaha
After leaving Tottenham Hotspur back in 2018 in search of regular first-team minutes, the London-born attacker has established himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting prospects.
Madueke contributed nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for the Dutch giants last term, catching the eye of several big clubs across the continent.
Palace are in need of several fresh faces ahead of the upcoming campaign after seeing the likes of James McCarthy, Gary Cahill and Andros Townsend depart on free transfers, and chairman Steve Parish has already made a solid start to the capital club’s summer business.
New arrivals Michael Olise and Marc Guehi are set to be joined by Joachim Andersen as Patrick Vieira’s revolution gathers pace, although there’s still plenty of work to be done by the club’s hierarchy.
A striker and central midfielder are thought to be priorities alongside a right-winger, and in Madueke, Palace may have identified an ideal heir to Zaha.
The 28-year-old winger has been the Selhurst Park outfit’s standout performer for many years now but has once again been linked with a move away from his boyhood club in recent weeks.
A concrete offer for the Ivory Coast international has yet to materialise, but with just two years remaining on his contract, a departure is likely to occur next summer if he doesn’t receive any offers in the current window.
Although the prospect of Zaha leaving south London will worry large sections of the Palace support, having Madueke to call upon as his successor would certainly ease those fears.
The two attackers share various similarities in their style of play, with both men famed for their dribbling skills, ability to keep hold of the ball and eye for goal.
Madueke’s impressive performances have earned several plaudits, including former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte, who raved about the youngster’s style of play, saying (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”
Another assist in the first leg of PSV’s Champions League qualifier with Galatasaray the other week helped Roger Schmidt’s side to a convincing 5-1 victory, although it may be one of the last appearances the England Under-21 international makes at the Philips Stadion.
And, in other news…Parish must complete Palace swoop for £5.4m-rated gem, he’s an “interesting prospect”