Crystal Palace fill midfield holes…but will their transfer business be enough to steer clear of Premier League peril?

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Crystal Palace managed to fill the midfield hole Patrick Vieira had been crying out for, despite being dormant in the January transfer window until the final two hours.

The Eagles completed the permanent signing of French midfielder Naouirou Ahamada and loaned in Arsenal defensive midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for the rest of the season.

The central area of the pitch has been a particular weak point for the South Londoners this season, struggling to find a balance that works after losing loan hit Conor Gallagher due to his desire to chase a spot in Chelsea’s first team.

The summer departure of experienced Cheikhou Kouyate to Nottingham Forest has impacted the side.

Cheick Doucoure has been a revelation since joining in the summer from Lens, but he often has to do the job of two players with the amount of grass he is required to cover in matches.

Lokonga has been out of favour at Arsenal after failing to break into a side which is top of the Premier League and looking to secure their first title since 2004.

He made 15 appearances for the Gunners this season but has not featured in the league since the 3-1 win against Spurs in October.

The 23-year-old Belgian international has made 39 appearances for the north Londoners since joining last season from Anderlecht.

“I’m pleased he has chosen to join Patrick’s squad for the rest of the season after making an impressive start to life in English football,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.

“He has been on our radar for several years, since his emergence at Anderlecht, and we very much look forward to his contribution as we push to climb the table.”

Ahamada, 20, only has 28 professional appearances in senior football to his name, but his performances for Stuttgart have convinced the Palace hierarchy to shell out nearly £10million for his services.

The former Juventus youngster has represented France at U18 level.

Parish said: “Having already played in three different countries, Naouirou has shown an impressive ability to adapt to new challenges and deliver strong performances in a top league.

“We feel that his profile, skillset and character make him an ideal fit for Crystal Palace and the demands that await for him in the Premier League.”

Ahamada, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club, said: “I’m very happy to have joined this club. It is an amazing club, and I’m very excited to get started.

“I want to show my quality, and I want to help this team with my quality. I want to play games, work hard, train hard and progress, and help the team.”

Palace have, however, failed to strengthen their forward options. They asked Manchester United about Anthony Elanga on deadline day, but nothing materialised.

Vieira’s side also thought they were in pole position to secure a return to the club for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but the right-back’s recent performances for United – along with Diogo Dalot suffering a hamstring injury in the EFL Cup tie against Charlton – saw any potential loan return collapse.

The Eagles did manage to loan out a handful of youngsters, with Killian Phillips, John-Kymani Gordon, Malcolm Ebiowei and Luke Plange all leaving for loans in the EFL at Carlisle United, Hull City and Lincoln City respectively.

Jack Butland also joined Manchester United for the rest of the season.

Will Palace’s business be enough to keep them away from the relegation zone? Only time will tell.