Crystal Palace are concerned about Cheikhou Kouyate’s future, The Sun (13 February, page 61) reporting that there is genuine ‘fear’ that the Premier League veteran could leave for a Middle Eastern payday.
For the second summer in a row, Crystal Palace are facing up to the prospect of losing a whole host of experienced, long-serving campaigners on free transfers.
Scott Dann, Andros Townsend, Gary Cahill and more departed when their contracts expired in 2021.
This time around, it is Jordan Ayew, James McArthur, Jeffrey Schlupp, James Tomkins and the aforementioned Kouyate who may be up for grabs.
Kouyate, a £9.5 million signing from London rivals West Ham United in the summer of 2018, has missed the last five Premier League games while helping guide Senegal to African Cup of Nations glory.
That Palace have not won any of those – a goalless draw away at Brentford on Saturday was the latest in an increasingly long line of underwhelming displays – is no coincidence.
So no wonder some at Selhurst Park are concerned about life without their 32-year-old enforcer.
Is Cheikhou Kouyate leaving Crystal Palace?
According to The Sun, Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad are keen on the former Anderlecht ace.
And Crystal Palace ‘fear’ that Kouyate will be lured away from Selhurst Park by of a money-spinning move to the Middle East.
Kouyate earns £65,000-a-week at the South London club. One suspects he will be in line for a substantial pay day if he swaps Crystal Palace for a side currently flying high at the top of the Saudi Arabian Pro League.
The Athletic claims that contract talks between Kouyate and Palace are now underway. Both parties are some way apart as things stand, however.
Kouyate wants a two-year deal. But, given that he will be 33 by the end of the year, Palace are favouring a 12-month extension.
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