Crystal Palace will presumably be hoping to sign Albert Sambi Lokonga on a permanent basis this summer.
The Belgium international has been a standout under Patrick Vieira since moving to Selhurst Park on a six-month loan from Arsenal back in January.
Lokonga has made just four appearances in the Premier League for Crystal Palace – two of which have been starts – although he has settled in quickly alongside Cheick Doucoure.
Now, the south Londoners could lean on an old Selhurst Park favourite in Yannick Bolasie to help them sign the 23-year-old permanently, with their chances high after The Times claimed he is likely to be sold by Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, Bolasie and Lokonga got to know each other in 2019 when the DR Congo international joined Anderlecht on loan from Everton.
That was admitted by the 33-year-old when he attempted to explain why Lokonga went straight down the tunnel in his last appearance for Arsenal before joining Crystal Palace on loan, rather than applaud the fans.
Bolasie wrote on Twitter: “He’s a young player. Many people have done this but doesn’t mean he’s being disrespectful, I think people just looking for opportunities to get on his back which I don’t think is fair. His qualities will shine through.
“I’m not disagreeing about clapping the fans, that should be set in stone. I’m just saying I know him and I know he expects a lot of himself because he’s a quality baller just wants to do well so badly for the club, sometimes in the moment head gets fried.”
Clearly, Lokonga is a confidence player, and it is telling that his performances have improved at Selhurst Park, where the supporters get behind their own and attempt to lift them.
Crystal Palace move would be good for Lokonga
Bolasie himself was a beneficiary of such passionate support when he settled in SE25 back in 2012.
During a nomadic career throughout the lower leagues – spending time at six different clubs in five years – the exciting winger was eventually signed by Crystal Palace in a £350,000 move from Bristol City.
Bolasie found a home in south London, racking up 144 appearances – far more than he has made for any other side – as he was given a platform to express himself, which eventually earned him a £25m move to Everton.
It seems as if Lokonga needs a similar platform to cement himself in English football, so Bolasie should be in his friend’s ear to tell him all about how beneficial a permanent move to Crystal Palace could be for his career.
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