Crystal Palace have secured a place in the Europa League next season.Crystal Palace have secured a place in the Europa League next season.
Crystal Palace have secured a place in the Europa League next season. | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested in a forward who Crystal Palace should be pushing for.
Crystal Palace are in limbo as they wait to hear news to confirm they can play in the Europa League next season having booked a place in the tournament thanks to their FA Cup triumph.
The Eagles are expected to have to wait until the end of June to find out whether Uefa will overlook the fact that John Textor holds shares in both Crystal Palace and Ligue 1 side Lyon. The football body’s rules do not allow for two clubs owned by the same individual to compete in a tournament.
Crystal Palace are arguing that Textor, who has been trying to sell his shares in the club, does not have decisive control. Should that argument be accepted, then the club must move to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Lee Kang-in.
Crystal Palace should push for Paris Saint-Germain transfer
It’s the type of marquee singing that supporters want and one that would show a real statement of intent following the Uefa hearing. Bringing Kang-in to Selhurst Park from the Parc des Princes would show that Crystal Palace are ready to consider themselves among Europe’s best.
That would be helped by the fact that the club would have to beat Arsenal and Manchester United to the transfer, as well as Ligue 1 outfit Marseille. There’s also been fresh reports of interest from Saudi Arabia in the player’s services.
Late last month, South Korea transfer specialist Han-jun Lee claimed that Eagles had ‘stepped up’ interest in the player with the Gunners, Red Devils and Newcastle United also linked with a £18.5 million swoop. Crystal Palace were previously linked with the player earlier in the season although, without Europa League football at the stage, those claims seemed ambitious. Kang-in has been a regular for PSG but has been in and out of the starting XI.
Lee Kang-in could inspire Europa League run
Not only would the signing of Kang-in send a strong statement to European clubs, Premier League and Uefa, but he’s the type of player who could inspire a European run too. The forward, who has just won the Champions League with PSG, has played 25 times in that tournament and also had two Europa League outings with Valencia.
The 24-year-old can play across the front three and deeper in midfield, as well as even at full-back. That versatility would make him a valuable asset to Oliver Glasner’s squad, especially with the increased number of games next season.
PSG boss Enrique praised the player’s ability following a 3-1 win over Rennes in September, when the midfielder was deployed as a false 9. Enrique said: “He’s a very versatile player, and what’s crucial for us is that he rarely loses possession. He played as a 'false 9', but with the freedom to roam, and he was exceptional. He scored a clever striker's goal, kept our momentum, and gave us the ball when we needed it.”
In other news, Crystal Palace 'identify' £6.7m Serie A flop as Marc Guehi replacement.
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