Crystal Palace are keen to sign Mostafa Mohamed but Galatasaray vice-president Abdurrahim Albayrak insists the Egypt international will be staying at the Turkish Super Lig leaders, speaking to Milliyet.
With Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi and Connor Wickham all expected to depart in the summer, there’s a real chance Jean-Philippe Mateta will soon be the only centre-forward at Selhurst Park.
No wonder Palace are in the race for a new number nine.
This week, HaberTurk reported Roy Hodgson’s side is eyeing 23-year-old Mohamed, despite the fact the 6ft 1in powerhouse only joined Galatasaray on loan from Zamalek a few weeks ago.
The Istanbul-based giants have the option to sign Mohamed on a permanent deal at the end of this season and are expected to insert a £22 million release clause into his contract (Sabah).
And Albayrak has moved to calm fears suggesting Galatasaray will look to make an immediate profit on their new fans’ favourite.
“Nobody should be worried regarding Mostafa Mohamed. Galatasaray will sign him permanently if we pay £3 million (the option-to-buy clause) by July 2022,” Albayrak explains.
“We can pay this fee today or tomorrow. Even if another club goes forward and offers Zamalek more than £3 million, they won’t manage to sign the player.
“Everyone enjoys watching Mostafa play, even though he just arrived at the club. He is not only a very good footballer but he is a characteristic athlete.
“He will wear the yellow-and-red shirt for many years, nobody should doubt that.”
That, then, should be that.
If Crystal Palace want a new centre-forward, they will have to look elsewhere.
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