Crystal Palace have had countless elite talents over the years but missed out on one emerging superstar years ago.
The likes of Tyrick Mitchell and Wilfried Zaha have been among the best to emerge through Copers Cope in recent years – but some players slipped through the grasp of the club’s academy.
Samuel Lusale could turn out to be one player Crystal Palace are left saddened to have lost. The 17-year-old Slovakian moved to Manchester United in the summer and could yet become a star.
Former Premier League star Stephen Hunt was released by the Eagles before making 142 appearances in England’s top division.
However, for Antoine Semenyo it was a failed trial which led to his Crystal Palace journey ending.
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Antoine Semenyo failed his Crystal Palace trial in 2015
Semenyo seems to be forever tied with Crystal Palace after failing his medical at the club in 2015.
Back in 2023, Semenyo was also linked as Sky Sports claimed Palace had tried to sign him prior to his £10.5m deal to Bournemouth.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City FC a...
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Speaking earlier this year, Semenyo looked back on this rejection by Palace, explaining to Sky Sports: “Palace hit me hard the most because I was there for so long. My trial got extended and I thought I was going to be signed – and it didn’t happen.
“I remember getting into the car crying and saying to my dad, why does this keep happening? I stopped playing football for a year after that. I didn’t play any sport, I put on a lot of weight. I didn’t think I’d be here, but God works in mysterious ways.”
This is unfortunately a common thing in football, but Crystal Palace will no doubt be wishing he had been retained.
Semenyo is becoming a star for Bournemouth
One club’s trash is another club’s treasure could not be more true in this situation as Semenyo has become a star for this impressive Bournemouth team.
With four goals and an assist in 12 games this season for the Cherries, Semenyo could make quite a difference for Palace as he is one of the best players in the league outside of the top six.
Semenyo has also admitted prevously that Crystal Palace actually “came back” to sign him in 2017 – suggesting there was an immediate sense of sellers remorse at Selhurst Park.
Given the Eagles’ struggles in front of goal this season, a player like Semenyo would be a welcome addition to the squad.