Less than a week has passed since the Premier League season concluded, and Crystal Palace is already enjoying a busy summer.
Oliver Glasner will be quite happy to hear that Crystal Palace is almost certain to make two acquisitions in the first few days of the 2024 summer.
Chadi Riad, a center-back for Real Betis, is expected to be the first player signed during the window as the Eagles near a £13 million agreement.
In addition to adding Riad to the defence, Palace is getting closer to signing Daichi Kamada, whose contract expires in June and for which a deal has already been presented.
However, it now appears like Palace will hold onto a significant player at the team this summer after he reportedly turned down a move elsewhere.
move to Newcastle United is rejected by Dougie Freedman
There was concern going into the summer that Palace would lose Dougie Freedman since both Newcastle and Manchester United were interested in signing him.
However, it now appears that Freedman has turned down a transfer to Tyneside, as revealed by Football Insider, as it appeared that Newcastle was planning an approach.
Freedman has chosen to remain at Selhurst Park despite rumours that the Tyneside club was impressed by his performance at Palace.
One of the biggest advantages that Palace could have asked for ahead of what looks to be a busy summer is keeping Freedman this summer; his ability to see a gifted young player will be crucial.
Freedman’s retention might be Crystal Palace’s best summer acquisition.
Even so, Palace should be able to add some top players this summer, especially considering that sales will increase the budget.
It’s the best possible decision for Palace to leave Freedman in charge of transfers this summer.
Recently, the Scot has been at the core of some of the best deals in the entire league, with Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise all signing for a fraction of their current values.
With Freedman in control, Palace has a chance to successfully replace any possible high-profile departures that might take place this summer.
This is a significant development for Palace and a declaration that he has selected the Eagles over Newcastle, which only heightens the excitement surrounding this project.