Club Brugge defender Stefano Denswil has apparently won over former Ajax boss Frank de Boer, who reportedly wants him at Crystal Palace.
The fact that Crystal Palace scored more Premier League goals than any other side in the bottom half last season and still finished a disappointing 14th makes abundantly clear where the weak link lies in The Eagles squad.
In fact, only five sides conceded more than Palace’s 63 goals in 2016/17. Therefore, it’s little surprise that new manager Frank de Boer has made defensive reinforcements a priority.
New Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer
Palace were interested in Sevilla centre-back Adil Rami, according to L’Equipe, only for the France international to have his heart set on Marseille. And, according to the Daily Record, perma-crocked Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is also on their radar.
And now Belgian publication Voetbal Nieuws has thrown a new name into the frame. The report claims that Palace are considering a move for Club Brugge defender Stefano Denswil, a former Netherland’s Under-21 international who, intriguingly, was sold by De Boer at Ajax in January 2015.
However, it appears that Denswil has done more than enough in Belgium to convince his former boss of his qualities. The 24-year-old has won the Belgian Pro League title, as well as the domestic cup and Super Cup since arriving two-and-a-half years ago.
And he would appear a perfect fit for the Dutchman’s typically Ajax-influenced philosophy. An excellent passer of the ball, signing Denswil would suggest that De Boer wants to bring in a ball-playing blueprint for a side who made great use of their physicality under Sam Allardyce last season.
Denswil represented Club Brugge in the Champions League last season
Denswil has long been linked with a move to England, the Daily Star claiming in October that Everton were battling AC Milan and Monaco for his signature.
However, Selhurst Park could now be his most likely destination.
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