Crystal Palace showed an interest in taking Celta Vigo winger Brais Mendez but the Spain international is ‘very close’ to joining Real Sociedad instead, as reported by El Desmarque.
Palace are, as the publication puts it, are ‘out of the equation’ at this stage. Perhaps The Eagles have simply decided to start looking elsewhere, in the knowledge that Mendez has one foot and four toes in San Sebastian.
Perhaps they are unwilling to pay the £12 million Celta Vigo wanted.
Either way, the languid left-footer is set to become Sociedad’s second signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of former Everton youngster Mohamed Ali Cho.
According to La Voz de Galicia, the silky Mendez is planning to say goodbye to life at Balaidos before the end of this week. And he will act as a de-facto replacement for the departed Adnan Januzaj for the Txuri Urdin.
Crystal Palace miss out on Brais Mendez
Now, it is not certain just how serious Crystal Palace’s interest was.
Patrick Vieira already has a left-footed right-winger in his ranks in the shape of Michael Olise. Mendez, another player who loves to cut inside and curl crosses into the box, feels somewhat superfluous. Especially when you consider that 20-year-old Olise looks set to nail down a starting spot for seasons to come.
Mendez has been linked with Premier League clubs in the past, from Newcastle to Southampton, Norwich City to Tottenham Hotspur. And, after a dip in form, he forced his way back into Luis Enrique’s Spain team recently. What’s more, Mendez has scored 14 goals in the last two campaigns combined.
“It is inevitable that clubs like Brais,” agent Juan Sanchez said previously. “(Mendez) is a very striking and high-quality player.
“Brais had a spectacular second half of the season (2020/21). He has taken a very important step forward. Not just because of his nine goals but because of his defensive work. His dedication and sacrifice for the team. He is much more mature.”
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