Crystal Palace should raid Ajax, Newcastle United and Barcelona for players if De Boer takes the Selhurst Park job.
Frank de Boer
With reports suggesting that Netherlands legend Frank de Boer is in the running for the vacant Crystal Palace job, as put forward by Sky Sports, there is the prospect of a hugely respected figure taking the reins at Selhurst Park, complete with his extensive contacts from across the continent.
Having played at Barcelona, Rangers and Galatasaray, De Boer is best known for 11 years as a player with Ajax, going on to manage the Dutch giants to four consecutive league titles. That spell was followed by a brief and disappointing period at Inter Milan.
From such an impressive CV, there are a number of players the 47-year-old could bring to South London should he take over:
Joel Veltman (Ajax)
The Ajax star has been linked with an £8 million move to London rivals Tottenham this summer by the Standard, having been a key figure in Amsterdam since breaking into the first team under De Boer. A versatile defender, Veltman could add much needed strength in the centre of defence, with Mamadou Sakho unlikely to sign on a permanent deal.
Ajax’s Joel Veltman in action with Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini
Still just 25 and with 16 caps to his name, Veltman would be a signing who could yet offer resale value if he carries his Eredivisie form over to the Premier League.
Siem de Jong (Newcastle United)
A key figure in De Boer’s first few years at Ajax, the attacking midfielder made a big money move to Newcastle United in 2014, but has been unable to replicate his performances in English football. Rumoured not to be in the plans of Rafa Benitez, according to the Chronicle, there can be no doubting his ability though, with De Jong scoring 58 goals under the Dutchman – and if anyone knows how to utilise his talent it would be De Boer. Such a goal threat playing behind Christian Benteke would be very useful for the Eagles.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez with Siem De Jong
Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona)
The most unlikely of suggestions, though certainly one that is more likely than appears at first glance. Netherlands international Cillessen was signed by De Boer from NEC in 2011, starting his trajectory to World Cup semi-finalist and crucial figure for club and country.
Signed for a large fee last summer by Barcelona, the 28-year-old was very much second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, appearing just once in the league and once in the Champions League. At his age, he won’t want to be stuck on the bench, and feasibly Palace could solve a problem position by bringing in one of the best European goalkeepers if De Boer moves for his former stopper.
Jasper Cillessen celebrates for Ajax
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
