Crystal Palace are interested in Emmanuel Dennis after the striker suffered relegation with Watford, so what could Patrick Vieira’s XI look like next season with the Nigerian signed?
The Eagles are eager to strengthen the Frenchman’s ranks during the summer after ending his maiden Premier League campaign at the helm in 12th. Vieira led Palace to 11 wins and 15 draws after replacing Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park, while also only losing 12 matches.
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But while Crystal Palace lost the sixth-least fixtures, the south London outfit only scored 50 goals for the 10th-best offence. Wilfried Zaha also hit 14 of their goals from Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher with eight, Odsonne Edouard scored six and Jean-Philippe Mateta on five.
Crystal Palace are interested in Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis after relegation
Now, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Dennis from Watford this summer to support Vieira’s squad after the Hornets’ relegation. That’s according to London World, who report the Eagles will strive to raid Vicarage Road if they cannot sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal.
The Selhurst Park hierarchy have long admired Nketiah, but Fabrizio Romano notes he will sign a new Gunners contract. His previous deal was due to expire on June 30, but Nketiah should now commit his future to Mikel Arteta’s side until 2027 after speaking with Palace.
Dennis is Vieira’s alternative target to Nketiah after producing a stunning debut season in the Premier League with Watford. After a £3m move from Club Brugge, the 24-year-old hit 10 goals and six assists. He also played and influenced matches across their attacking line.
But as his displays could not stop Watford from suffering relegation to the Championship, Dennis is likely to now leave. The Mirror have noted the Hornets may have to sacrifice the five-cap international to limit losses in revenue, while West Ham are ready to offer £20m.
Vieira will need further summer signings to strengthen his ranks with Gallagher likely set to leave Selhurst Park, too. So, with Crystal Palace interested in Dennis, what could Vieira’s XI look like next season with the Watford star signed and Chelsea loanee Gallagher replaced?
Sam Johnstone (GK): Crystal Palace closing in on England international
Vieira could attack next term with a new first-choice goalkeeper to replace Vicente Guaita. That’s because London News Online report Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal for Sam Johnstone, with the goalkeeper leaving West Brom when his contract expires on June 30.
Palace believe Johnstone is a strong long-term replacement for Guaita, who should remain at Selhurst Park next season. The 29-year-old kept 15 clean sheets over 36 Championship games this term, and has also recorded three shut outs across his three-caps with England.
Nathaniel Clyne (RB): Vieira to keep faith in defender with new contract
Nathaniel Clyne turned in some impressive performances in the final months of the season with several vital interceptions that could see Vieira keep faith in the defender. The Palace boss is still yet to see Nathan Ferguson establish himself in the position due to his injuries.
Clyne is, however, out of contract on June 30 after only penning a one-year extension last summer. But the 31-year-old is open to extending his career at Selhurst Park this summer.
Joachim Andersen (CB): Crystal Palace see progress from 2021 transfer
Crystal Palace will expect to see progress from Joachim Andersen during his second year at Selhurst Park next term. Vieira paid Lyon €22m (£19m), plus €5m (£4m) in add-ons, for the centre-half last July, after which he showed he can dictate play and also battled valiantly.
Marc Guehi (CB): Vieira fends off Tottenham interest in England international
Vieira may face a fight to keep England international Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace this year with Tottenham interested. The Daily Mail report Spurs like the £18m former Chelsea gem, whose robust displays stood out this season after dominating in the air and on the ground.
Tyrick Mitchell (LB): Crystal Palace talent to reach even high level next season
Tyrick Mitchell will enter next term expecting to reach an even higher level after producing a stunning campaign under Vieira this season. The 22-year-old has dazzled with consistent performances, highlighting his defensive stability to merit his England debut during March.
Ibrahim Sangare (CM): Viera rivalling Chelsea to sign PSV Eindhoven anchor
Crystal Palace are exploring strengthening Vieira’s midfield this summer and The Sun claim the Eagles are interested in PSV Eindhoven ace Ibrahim Sangare. But the Mirror also report Chelsea admire the 24-year-old, who will demand a £30m fee after impressing this season.
Sangare has displayed great composure and defensive strength from the engine room in the Dutch top-flight and in Europe. The 6 ft 4 Ivory Coast international also helped PSV win the Dutch Super Cup against Ajax last August, before beating them in the KNVB Beker final.
Will Hughes (CM): Midfielder promises there is ‘a lot more to come’ from him
Will Hughes joined Crystal Palace from Watford in August for £5.5m, but found game time hard to secure under Vieira. The 27-year-old only started 13 of 16 Premier League fixtures and only offered one assist. But he has assured Eagles fans he has lots of room to improve.
“It was difficult for me [at first] because I didn’t really have a pre-season,” Hughes said, via London News Online. “But I’ve massively enjoyed the whole experience, and I’m going to kick on next season because there’s a lot more to come from me.”
Cheick Doucoure (CM): Crystal Palace set to sign Lens midfielder this summer
Vieira looks set to task Cheick Doucoure with replacing Gallagher in the Selhurst Park core next season. The Sun report Crystal Palace will sign the Mali international from Ligue 1 side RC Lens for £15m once the Eagles are able to finalise personal terms with the 22-year-old.
Doucoure enjoyed a stunning season in France this term, as he took command of Les Sang et Or’s engine room. He offered one goal and four assists, regularly breaking between the lines, spraying passes, getting involved defensively and testing goalkeepers from range.
Michael Olise (RW): Young winger proved game-changing skill this season
Michael Olise showed he can present a game-changing presence from the right-wing under Vieira this term. The 20-year-old pulled the Eagles up the pitch on his side of the field, and demonstrated great crossing ability. But Vieira will want more end product after two goals.
Emmanuel Dennis (ST): Crystal Palace interested in transfer for Watford striker
Crystal Palace will likely have to guarantee Dennis regular minutes to edge West Ham’s interest in the Watford striker. He showed a dynamic presence at Vicarage Road and will be loath to settle for a seat on the bench without the European games the Irons can offer.
Wilfried Zaha (LW): Eagles talisman to carry less attacking burden next term
Zaha will expect to carry less of the attacking burden at Crystal Palace if Vieira is successful in his interest in Watford’s Dennis. The Ivorian was key to the Eagles’ efforts this term with his 14 goals, took the most shots (69) and created the most chances (46), per WhoScored.
Possible Crystal Palace 22/23 XI amid interest in Watford’s Dennis: Johnstone (GK), Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Sangare, Hughes, Doucoure, Olise, Dennis, Zaha
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