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Crystal Palace frontrunners to sign English icon who's a bigger talent than Strand Larsen -…

Crystal Palace’s achievements in the 2024/25 campaign will live long in the memory of all of their supporters, with Oliver Glasner leading the club to FA Cup glory.

The Eagles’ victory over Manchester City at Wembley secured their first-ever major trophy, subsequently allowing for a European adventure in the current season.

However, such a feat was meant to kick the club into gear and allow them to reach the next level, but the last month has seen numerous members walk away from the project at Selhurst Park.

oliver-glasner-crystal-palace

Marc Guehi has already departed, with boss Glasner set to leave in the summer, whilst there are huge question marks over the long-term future of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

As a result, the hierarchy have been forced into making needed additions, with numerous more signings required before the end of the window to prevent a Premier League relegation battle.

Crystal Palace want move for a new attacking talent

Over the last couple of days, Palace have made a move to land Bodo Glimt attacker Jens Petter Hauge, with the Eagles not alone in that regard this month.

Glasner’s side have stormed into the race to land the 26-year-old before the window closes, with Everton also credited with an interest in his signature.

Jens Petter Hauge

However, any deal now looks tricky to complete, with his current side desperately wanting to keep hold of him after registering 20 goal contributions in his 40 outings this year.

As a result, other transfer targets have been drawn up, with free agent Raheem Sterling another player that is currently being considered by the Eagles hierarchy.

According to CaughtOffside, Palace are just one of the sides keen on a move for the 31-year-old, who left Chelsea by mutual agreement at the start of the week.

It also states that the likes of Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur are in the race at present. Palace, and all those London clubs, are among the frontrunners, having been said to have the 'edge' over rival suitors, considering he wants to stay in the capital.

raheem-sterling-chelsea-premier-league

The report claims that the attacker is also willing to take a pay cut upon any move in the near future, after earning over £300k-per-week during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Why Sterling would be a bigger talent than Strand Larsen for Palace

In an attempt to bolster the frontline this window, Palace made a beeline for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Strand Larsen

Earlier in the week, the Eagles verbally agreed a £45m deal plus £5m in add-ons for the 25-year-old, with such a move potentially breaking the club record.

However, over recent days, the deal has somewhat gone quiet, with it being confirmed that no deal has yet been agreed, which has cast doubt on the deal being completed.

Talks have been continuing in the background, but any deal could hinge upon Mateta completing his own move to join AC Milan before Monday’s transfer deadline.

As a result, a deal for Sterling could be a distinct possibility in the near future, with the Englishman potentially being a better signing than Strand Larsen should a deal be completed.

jorgen-strand-larsen-wolves

Despite his recent failed stint at Stamford Bridge, the 31-year-old is an experienced Premier League option, who could help provide the quality the Eagles are craving in the final third.

Sterling, who’s been dubbed “magnificent” by former boss Liam Rosenior, has racked up a total of 396 appearances in England’s top-flight, subsequently scoring on 123 occasions.

He’s also laid on 75 assists during such a period, with his skillset in attacking areas potentially being perfect for the Eagles - especially when joining on a free transfer.

Whilst he’s not featured in any competitive match since May 2025, the attacker last starred in England’s top-flight during 2023/24, subsequently ending such a year with 12 goal contributions.

Raheem Sterling - PL stats

Statistics

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Minutes played

Minutes per goal

Yellow cards

Penalties scored

Stats via Transfermarkt

He managed to place 43% of his shots on target that season, whilst completing 2.1 successful dribbles per 90 - with the tally reaffirming his quality in attacking areas.

His unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal may put any interested parties off a possible transfer, but Palace should be looking to take advantage of his recent release.

arsenal-raheem-sterling-transfer

A player of his experience would be vital given the club’s situation, with the Eagles potentially getting dragged into a relegation scrap if they continue in such a vein.

Strand Larsen may be desired by the fanbase before the window closes, but given the lack of time remaining and the nature of the fee, Sterling could well be the perfect alternative.

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