Yesterday, Crystal Palace announced the signing of Chris Richards from Bayern Munich, a player who was also wanted by Leeds and Southampton.
According to the BBC, the south Londoners will pay an initial £8.5m for the United States international, who has now shared why he decided to join the Eagles.
What’s the story?
Well, Richards admits that Patrick Vieira has “showed a plan” which he has huge confidence in.
As quoted by Crystal Palace’s official website, the 22-year-old said: “He showed me the fight the club has, and over the years the potential we have with the younger guys who are eventually going to become veterans at some point. I’m really looking forward to it and, like I said, Patrick has showed a plan that really seems like it’s going to work.”
Clearly, whatever the Frenchman told Richards was impactful enough to make him ignore interest from Jesse Marsch and Ralph Hasenhuttl.
In our view, Leeds and Southampton have missed out on a bargain.
Crystal Palace now have their hands on a senior international, who boasts Champions League experience and the pedigree of working alongside stars such as Robert Lewandowski, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Richards can also operate anywhere across the backline, so his versatility will help Vieira show flexibility in his tactical plans.
Leeds & Southampton must move on
After missing out on Richards, Marsch and Hasenhuttl must dust themselves off and look elsewhere.
We have not heard of any movement from Southampton for another defender, but Leeds certainly seem to be in the market for another left-back.
Marsch is interested in signing Miguel Gutierrez from Real Madrid, while a bid has also been submitted for PSV Eindhoven technician Philipp Max.
In our view, with two left-backs on the shortlist, Leeds were hoping to use Richards on the left of the backline before he chose to join Crystal Palace.
Hopefully, Leeds and Southampton can find alternatives to the versatile American.
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