CSKA Moscow should have sold Fyodor Chalov to Crystal Palace when they had the chance, former Russian Premier League ace Shamil Lakhiyalov tells Euro Football.
The English transfer window may have slammed shut when the clock struck 11pm on Monday. But, over in Switzerland, there is another fortnight remaining to get deals done.
As a result, Chalov could still be on the move over the next two weeks.
FC Basel are expected to tie up a short-term loan deal for the three-time Russia international. And, given that Chalov has scored just three times in 18 games this season, CSKA are unlikely to stand in his way.
Compare those numbers with Chalov’s breakthrough season in 2018/19. The rangy centre-forward found the net no fewer than 17 times that term.
In fact, he was so impressive that Crystal Palace were willing to stump up £25 million for a striker who, at the time, looked more than ready to smash through the doors of the Premier League and announce his arrival on the biggest of stages.
Why did Crystal Palace miss out on Fyodor Chalov?
“In my opinion, in the story with Chalov, CSKA made a big mistake when they did not let him go to the Premier League, to Crystal Palace for a fabulous £25 million,” says Lakhiyalov.
“The player himself had a desire to leave. I don’t know why CSKA refused to sell him then. After that, most likely, Chalov experienced a psychological decline, which affected his game.
“He no longer corresponded to the level of a football player for the national team or a player for a team fighting for first place. A loan to Basel should benefit both Chalov and CSKA.
“I hope Fyodor will kick-start his career by playing the rest of the season in different conditions.”
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson even admitted, in November 2019, that the Eagles were keen on Chalov, adding that a transfer only fell apart because they couldn’t ‘agree a deal’ that previous summer.
“It’s a shame, of course, that Chalov didn’t go to England,” the striker’s agent said in October.
“Fedor would have fallen into the hands of my good friend and an excellent coach in Roy Hodgson. I am sure that Chalov’s career would have developed in a completely different way.”
At just 23, Chalov has plenty of time on his side. Who knows, if he can rediscover his golden touch at Basel, maybe Crystal Palace will come calling again one day.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
