Cheick Doucoure has bid an emotional farewell to the Lens supporters ahead of his £20 million switch to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, writing on his official Instagram account.
After the frustration of missing out on Flynn Downes for a second time – with West Ham United snatching the Swansea City ace from under Patrick Vieira’s nose – the news of Doucoure’s imminent arrival could hardly have emerged at a better time.
The Eagles appeared to have a deal wrapped up for one of Ligue 1’s rising stars weeks ago.
But with those work permit concerns slamming the brakes on an a long-awaited £23 million transfer, the excitement was threatening to turn into exasperation. At least, until Doucoure all-but confirmed that he will indeed be wearing red and blue next term via a lengthy goodbye post to the Lens supporters who watched him grow exponentially from wide-eyed academy graduate to string-pulling midfield giant.
Crystal Palace close to Cheick Doucoure deal
“I thank you, the fans who have given and supported me so much,” the Mali international writes. “Thank you for these magnificent and extraordinary years spent by your side.
“I’m flying to other skies to continue a career that I hope will make you proud, as you made me proud to be Lensois. I will never forget you. You will always be by my side and in my heart.
“Forever Lensois.”
One of the finest and most effective deep-lying midfielders in a league chock-full of high quality ‘number sixes’, Doucoure will set Palace back an initial £20 million.
The all-action 22-year-old – who was a target for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur last year – is expected to sign a five-year deal at Selhurst Park, while easing Crystal Palace’s reliance on the ageing James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate.
“These are things that happen in football. We have to be honest, he is irreplaceable,” Lens captain and midfield partner Seko Fofana tells L’Equipe.
“Nobody can replace him. But we will have to move on. A guy like him leaving, it feels a bit weird. It is a situation that we have to accept.
“I wish him nothing but the best. I believe he is one of the best players or the best player that I have ever played with.”
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