Crystal Palace target and Angers striker Sidiki Cherif has opted to join Fenerbahce, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner wants a quality replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta at the Selhurst Park club, and Cherif was identified.
The Eagles reportedly reached agreement over personal terms with the Angers star, but they have been pipped to his services by the Super Lig club.
🚨💥 EXCLUSIVE | Sidiki Cherif to Fenerbahce – DONE DEAL ✔️
A verbal agreement with Angers has been reached in the last 12 hours. Five-month loan (loan fee included) plus an obligation to buy worth close to €20 million in the summer. Final paperwork between the clubs today.… pic.twitter.com/a8wXZ5HFz6
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 31, 2026
A verbal agreement between Angers and Fenerbahce for the Palace target was reached overnight, and Cherif will join them initially on loan with an obligation to buy.
The Eagles will now have to look elsewhere in their bid to replace Mateta, and it remains to be seen whether they have plans to revive a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Palace had been close to reaching a verbal agreement to sign Norwegian, with talks over an initial £45 million and £5m in add-ons held.
However, they pulled out of talks and could now return after Cherif chose another club over them.
Mateta is closing in on a move to AC Milan having made it clear he wants out, and Palace have until 7pm next Monday to get another striker.
They have Christantus Uche and Ismaila Sarr as striking options and Glasner could be forced to stick with them should the club sign none in the coming days.
Failure to replace Mateta could be detrimental to their chances of winning the Conference League and qualifying for European football next term.
Palace have always managed to do well after selling key players in recent seasons, and their board will fancy their chances of quickly moving on from the expected departures this window and in the summer.
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