As the transfer windows progressed, Crystal Palace could perhaps be described as a mixed bag. Not a huge success but also far from a failure. grade C; Promising, yes, but with a definite room for improvement.
Sam Johnston, on free ground from West Bromwich Albion, could be an inspiring act if his recent campaign in the Premier League is anything to go by. Palace has also battled competition from several top-flight clubs while settling on one of Europe’s most promising young players at Cheick Doucoure.
Meanwhile, Chris Richards has arrived from Bayern Munich and will give Patrick Vieira more depth and flexibility in defence.
But, on the other hand, the Eagles still look light at both full-backs, and you’ll need a counter to keep track of how many midfielders Palace has missed; From Flynn Downs to Oriel Mangala, Louis O’Brien to Joe Aribo.
Perhaps the most pressing concern is the last third. Odson-Edouard and Jean-Philippe Matete scored just 11 goals between them in 2021/2022. Christian Benteke is available for transfer with less than 12 months on his contract. Luke Plange appeared in his pre-season role but is still unproven at the age of 19. And in Conor Gallagher, Vieira lost his second top scorer last season.
So the availability of Borja Mayoral should not go unnoticed in Selhurst Park.
Could Borja Mayoral be the answer to Crystal Palace’s attack?
La Nzione reported late last year that Crystal Palace had held talks with Mayoral, then on loan to Roma from Real Madrid. Six months later, the same player can be bought for just £9m with his contract with the Santiago Bernabeu expiring in 2023.
“Borga is approaching the final year of his contract,” the Spaniard’s agent, Alejandro Camano, admitted to Marca.
“(His future) depends not only on him, but also on Real Madrid. Once the pre-season is over, he will be in a position to make a decision.”
“The Borja situation is special. The truth is that we continue to listen to (offers from other teams, but always while thinking about the possibility of staying in Madrid.”)
Real Madrid wants to sell
Reports from Marca suggest that Real Madrid currently have no plans to offer a new deal to Mayoral and would prefer to sell the academy graduate – despite Luka Jovic’s departure to Fiorentina – meaning it would be a huge surprise if the 25-year-old comes as part of a squad. Carlo Anciotti in September.
Having scored 16 goals in 30 leagues starting on loan at Roma and Getafe over the past two seasons, it is surely time for Mayoral to put himself first. He needs a club that can offer him regular first-team football, and a place he calls home.
At 6 feet tall, Mayoral is far from being a petite character. He’s strong in the air, and more than capable of landing deep to tie the play. Fitness in the Premier League shouldn’t be a big problem.
But it’s Mayoral’s speed through the grass, typical Spanish technique and icy one-on-one finishing that distinguishes him as a talent capable of providing a whole new dimension to Crystal Palace’s attack.
In other news, Newcastle are open to signing a £270,000-a-week Premier League striker.