Crystal Palace face competition from Premier League rivals Southampton for Bayern Munich youngster and America international Chris Richards, as reported by The Athletic.
It is no secret that The Saints are prioritising a new central defender this summer after another top-flight campaign undermined by consistent defensive errors. Richards, however, is more than a centre-half. He’s a left-back as well, and right-back on occasion, the youngster’s versatility and tactical awareness ensuring that he can fill in when required all across the back four.
When you consider that Kyle Walker-Peters spent much of 2021/22 on the left-hand side – albeit performing excellently in an unfamiliar position – the two-footed Richards has the potential to be an excellent position for a Southampton side looking for reinforcements in multiple defensive roles.
Southampton want Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards
According to The Athletic, the South Coast club have joined Crystal Palace in expressing an interest in the Alabama-born 22-year-old. Richards impressed on loan at Hoffenheim next term and it remains to be seen what parent club Bayern Munich have planned for his development.
Another short-term, temporary exit could be on the cards. A permanent departure cannot be totally ruled out either, though The Athletic believe that Richards would not come cheap.
“(Richards) does his job very well,” former Bayern and now Germany boss Hansi Flick told Sport1 during his time at the Allianz Arena, hailing the youngster’s maturity and defensive discipline.
“(He is) very calm.”
Crystal Palace are big fans of Richards but their focus right now is fixed firmly on Cheick Doucoure. The Eagles agreed personal terms with Lens’ Mali international powerhouse earlier this month, with manager Patrick Vieira making Doucoure his number one summer target.
Doucoure, a powerful yet highly technical central midfielder, could replace the veteran Luka Milivojevic at the heart of Crystal Palace’s midfield. James McArthur signed a new contract last week, though Cheikhou Kouyate’s future remains uncertain.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
