Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are closing in on Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards after the reported Leeds United and Southampton target reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with Patrick Vieira’s side, according to Sky Germany.
It’s just nice to win one, right Palace fans?
The Eagles missed out on Flynn Downes to West Ham United earlier this month. And, for a while at least, it looked like history was going to repeat itself.
Crystal Palace were the first English club to be linked with Richards, via The Telegraph in June. Since then, however, both Leeds, Brighton and Southampton have thrown their respective hats into the ring (90Min).
But while no one in South London will be getting carried away just yet – Downes appeared all-but certain to be on his way to Selhurst Park before West Ham swooped in – the current signs certainly look good.
Chris Richards is closing in on Crystal Palace move
According to Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, Richards has a ‘verbal agreement’ with Crystal Palace. What’s more, the eight-time USA international ‘wants to join’ an Eagles side who have made great strides under Patrick Vieira; Constructing an exciting, virile young squad almost unrecognisable from the crumbling, doddery old Roy Hodgson era.
Former FC Dallas youngster Richards, who has spent much of his time in the Bundesliga on loan at Hoffenheim, will provide Vieira with plenty of options at the back. The Alabama-born 22-year-old is a centre-half by trade. But he can also play at right-back or left-back if required.
“He (Richards) does his job very well,” former Bayern boss Hansi Flick told Sport1. “(He is) very calm.”
The £13 million-rated defender will become the fourth Bayern fringe player to pack his bags and head to the UK this year – and the second named Richards.
Omar Richards joined Nottingham Forest for £8 million earlier this month. Marc Roca is now a Leeds United player while Malik Tillman will spend 2022/23 on loan at Rangers.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
