According to Sky Sports, Cheick Doucoure is set to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace on Thursday ahead of his £18m move to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, speaking live on air earlier today, Hayley McQueen claimed that the 22-year-old will jet into south London to undergo medical examinations, before putting pen to paper on his contract.
According to some sources, Doucoure will sign a five-year deal at Selhurst Park.
McQueen said: “The breaking news is transfer news. Crystal Palace look set to make a signing. Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure will undergo a medical at Crystal Palace tomorrow.”
Now, this is very exciting news for Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have already wrapped up deals for Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei, but the signing of Doucoure is a big statement from the south Londoners.
The Mali international will become one of the most expensive purchases in Crystal Palace’s history, behind the £27m deal for Christian Benteke, the £20m signing of Marc Guéhi and the £19.5m capture of Eberechi Eze.
If add-ons are met, Doucoure could even end up costing the Eagles more than £22m, according to the Guardian.
It comes after the Malian made 37 appearances in all competitions for RC Lens last season, scoring one goal while also providing four assists.
Cheick Doucoure will shine at Crystal Palace
In our view, this is a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace, and also a necessary one.
Cheikhou Kouyate is set to depart when his contract expires tomorrow, with the Guardian claiming that no agreement over a renewal has been reached.
Therefore, Patrick Vieira needs a new midfield stalwart to do the dirty work, as well as someone to drive forward and progress the ball.
Doucoure excels at doing just that, while he is also said to be a good presser of the ball – something Crystal Palace will require after losing the terrier-like Conor Gallagher.
Vieira believes his new £18m recruit will shine in the Premier League, and we’d be very surprised if he doesn’t go on to do just that.
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