Crystal Palace have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with highly-rated Angers striker Sidiki Cherif, according to reports from France, as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his squad during the winter window.
That would only increase the club’s appeal to young players across Europe, and this has been underlined by claims that terms have already been agreed with Cherif ahead of a potential switch.
Report: Crystal Palace ‘Agree Personal Terms’ With Sidiki Cherif
A report from journalist Fabrice Hawkins on Wednesday morning claims that Palace have struck an agreement with Cherif over a possible move.
The Eagles have endured a difficult spell over the festive period and into the new year, but talks are now ongoing with Angers as they attempt to secure the signature of the 19-year-old forward.
It is believed Palace officials are confident of completing the deal, which could see Cherif become the most expensive outgoing in Angers’ 107-year history, surpassing the reported £21.5million transfer of former Arsenal man Jeff-Reine Adelaide to Lyon in 2019.
Such a move would also elevate the teenager above several notable names to emerge from the club, including Nicolas Pepe, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Sofiane Boufal, highlighting Palace’s determination to bring Cherif to Selhurst Park. The striker has started 13 Ligue 1 matches this season, netting four times against opposition such as Monaco, Marseille and regional rivals Nantes.
Palace currently boast Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah among their attacking options, but Mateta has long been linked with a departure from south London. With summer arrival Christantus Uche still adapting to the demands of the Premier League, the club could look to add a younger alternative should any of the trio move on.
Crystal Palace’s Strong History of Buying Youth Stars May Continue:
Palace have developed a strong reputation for recruiting and nurturing young talent in recent years, and the current campaign has been no exception.
While players like Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have all progressed at Selhurst Park in recent seasons, this summer has also seen Yeremy Pino catch the eye following his arrival from Villarreal, while Jaydee Canvot has appeared to transition to Premier League football with relative ease.
Although it is still early in his career, Cherif – born in 2006 – has already shown encouraging signs during his time at Angers. Should he be able to learn from Mateta and Nketiah, who boast a combined 70 top-flight goals, the move could yet prove to be a shrewd piece of business by Steve Parish.