Crystal Palace’s new striker options have decreased by one.
Crystal Palace’s new striker options have decreased by one, after Claudio Pizarro signed for Bundesliga side 1. FC Koln.
The Eagles are without their only experienced options, Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham, until at least November and January respectively, thrusting Freddie Ladapo – the 24-year-old signed from non-league football in March last year – into contention.
It has been strongly speculated that new boss Roy Hodgson could turn to the free agent market, with Carlton Cole, Rickie Lambert and Cheick Diabate all linked this week.
Pizarro, though, could have been a useful addition for Palace, given his experience (his CV includes spells at Bayern Munich and Chelsea), record in front of goal (271 goals in 630 games since moving to Europe) and physique (6ft 1ins – two shorter than Benteke).
Okay, so he’s 38, but Koln think he’s good enough and they were the fifth best team in Germany last season. He’s got to be better than Cole, surely?
Have Crystal Palace missed an opportunity with Claudio Pizarro?
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