Crystal Palace look to have missed out on the signing of Valencia centre-back Aymen Abdennour.
Crystal Palace’s backline could hardly have started the season in a more unconvincing fashion. The Eagles have lost three games from three in a dismal start to the season, Saturday’s 2-0 home reverse to Swansea City meaning they have scored none and conceded six in the Premier League so far.
Consequently, The Guardian reports that the future of new manager Frank de Boer is already being questioned inside Selhurst Park, the Dutchman’s stubborn refusal to alter his tactics an alleged cause for concern.
Reared in Ajax’s home of Total Football and a pupil of Johan Cryuff at Barcelona, De Boer was always going to bring a passing philosophy to Palace. However, the defenders at the club’s disposal appear far more at home with the direct, hit and hope style embodied by predecessor Sam Allardyce.
Therefore, it’s little surprise that De Boer has attempted to make defensive reinforcements in the final days of the transfer window. Get French Football reports that they made a move for Valencia outcast Aymen Abdennour, though Marseille now look to have won the race, according to Football Espana.
And this may only add to De Boer’s frustrations. Palace have signed only one player on a permanent deal this summer, Ajax youngster Jairo Riedewald.
And former Monaco defender Abdennour would have added some much needed cover at the heart of defence, while also improving Palace’s ability to build from the back.
However, it looks like Palace may have made the move too late.
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