That goalless friendly draw between Crystal Palace and Botafogo during the Qatar World Cup will not live particularly long in the memory of Eagles supporters.
But the fact that such a game happened in the first place still feels like a significant moment in the history of the Selhurst Park outfit.
American businessman John Textor, after purchasing a 40 per cent stake of Crystal Palace last year, is now also the majority shareholder at Botafogo. An admirer of the Red Bull method, Textor hopes to adopt a similar ‘multi-club model’ under his very own umbrella; Palace and Botafogo working in tandem, potentially exchanging players in a manner reminiscent of Leipzig and Salzburg (The Athletic).
Matheus Nascimento, one of the brightest young talents in South America, has already held talks regarding a potential switch to South London. He could be the first of many players arriving at Palace from one of Textor’s growing collection of other clubs.
“Yes, this project (at Crystal Palace) was offered to Matheus,” Botafogo director Andre Mazzuco admits. “He is a good boy. This project was offered personally by John (Textor) and Doug (Freedman, Palace’s director of football).”
Crystal Palace could land Houssem Aouar after John Textor Lyon takeover
Now, with Textor completing his purchase of Ligue 1 giants Lyon, Crystal Palace fans can probably expect to see a host of French-based talent linked with Patrick Vieira’s side ahead of the January transfer window.
According to RMC Sport, The Eagles have already expressed an interest in one Lyon player; France international Houssem Aouar. Palace were the most likely destination for the wantaway playmaker during the final few days of the summer window.
Once labelled an ‘incredible’ talent by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola; the £13 million-rated Aouar will be a free-agent in July. Aouar is yet to fulfil his vast potential but, at 24, still has plenty of time on his side. His vision, guile, and defence-splitting potential could bring a different dimension to Crystal Palace’s ageing and somewhat one-paced midfield too; Vieira lacking genuine match-winners and game-changers in the centre of the park.
“He is always calm with the ball at his feet,” one Lionel Messi said of Aouar back in 2020. “With an excellent technical quality.”
Say what you want about Aouar. But Messi and Guardiola certainly know talent when they see it.
‘A new beginning’
Serie A champions AC Milan could test the water in January with a £7 million bid (Gazzetta dello Sport). That Textor connection, however, makes Crystal Palace the clear frontrunners for an obscenely talented young player. One crying out of a fresh start.
“Today represents a new beginning for Olympique Lyonnais. After four months of constructive negotiations marked by a common understanding with Jean-Michel Aulas and all our partners, we are proud to reach this exceptional agreement.
“(My Lyon takeover) will be a milestone in the history of soccer development,” Textor explains (The Athletic). “Thanks to the combination within one structure – Eagle Football – of our interests in football clubs with a rich culture and decades of experience: Olympique Lyonnais, Crystal Palace, Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek.
“Of course, we will continue to be a supportive and meaningful partner at Crystal Palace. We hope our global footprint of talent development can be a collaborative asset to all of our Eagle-affiliated clubs.”
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