According to Foot Mercato, Crystal Palace are interested in bringing Hamari Traore to the Premier League, but they face competition from Barcelona.
What’s the story?
Well, the south Londoners certainly seem keen to improve their right-back options, as they are also in talks with Manchester United over a deal to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park.
However, it would be foolish to just shortlist one option, so Crystal Palace are also taking a look at Traore.
The Mali international – who captains Rennes – has also received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt as well as Barcelona, following a phenomenal 2021/22 campaign in France.
Traore scored three goals and provided 11 assists in 42 appearances last season, which is a fantastic amount of goal involvements for a defender to register.
Foot Mercato add that the 30-year-old has also won admirers in Qatar, as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with Rennes.
The French news outlet also state that Traore is liked by Jordi Cruyff – the son of Johan Cruyff and Technical Director at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona view the Rennes No.27 as a cheaper alternative to Juan Foyth.
Crystal Palace & Barcelona could clash
Interestingly, Crystal Palace and Barcelona aren’t just interested in Traore.
The Spanish giants are also eyeing Wan-Bissaka along with the Eagles, so it is highly possible that the pair who both play in red and blue could clash in the transfer market before the August 31st deadline.
In an ideal world, each side would get their first choice right-back target, although Barcelona obviously have a much greater pull than Crystal Palace, and can offer Champions League football.
Therefore, Xavi could end up frustrating Patrick Vieira in the next two weeks.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we expect both Crystal Palace and Barcelona to sign new right-backs.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
