Crystal Palace Opinion: Why Crystal Palace should go all out in their pursuit of Jean Michael Seri
According to Football London, Crystal Palace have been credited with an interest in Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri, with reports claiming that the Eagles are looking at an initial loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer to bring the 27-year-old to Selhurst Park.
However, Football London understands that the Ivorian international favours a return back to the French top-flight with Monaco, whilst Turkish Galatasaray have also expressed their desire to secure his services.
Seri is unlikely to stick around at Craven Cottage in the Championship next season. Although his next destination is yet to be confirmed, the Eagles are believed to be making an effort to keep the 27-year-old in the Premier League.
Palace, however, face an uphill task convincing the Ivorian to switch bases from the west to the south of the capital following a disastrous debut season at Fulham in the Premier League last term.
Seri, who made his move to Fulham last summer from Nice as a part of the Cottagers spending spree, was expected to play a key role but the 27-year-old largely underwhelmed with his inconsistent run of form at Craven Cottage this past season.
Seri made 32 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League and contributed with just a goal and a couple of assists, as the Cottagers got relegated to the Championship after just a single season in the top-flight.
Although he showed glimpses of his brilliance in the earlier stages of the previous season, the Ivorian’s impact gradually waned as the campaign wore on, and he finished the season with the label of a big-money flop hanging over his head.
The 27-year-old rose to prominence with Ligue 1 outfit Nice and established himself as one of the most promising box-to-box midfielders in Europe before his scintillating run of form in the French top-flight caught the eye of La Liga giants Barcelona.
Seri registered 12 goals and 26 assists in 123 appearances for Nice over the course of his three seasons at the club before snubbing the chance to join Barcelona in favour of a switch to the Premier League with Fulham last summer.
Seri is not the only high-profile player at Fulham to be linked with an exit this summer, with Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic also eyeing up moves elsewhere.
Although a move back to France would serve Seri well, the prospect of staying in the Premier League for another season could appeal to the 27-year-old.
To put things into perspective, Crystal Palace should leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the Fulham star this summer and Seri’s arrival would definitely be a strong statement of intent from the Eagles.
Despite his poor debut season at Fulham, the 27-year-old remains a very talented and useful midfielder and signing him on loan would not be much of a gamble for the Eagles.
Roy Hodgson is already pretty well-stocked in his options in the middle of the park. The likes of James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic were amongst the standout performers at Selhurst Park this past season, as the South Londoners finished 12th in the standings.
However, the imminent departures of Pape Souare, Jason Puncheon and Bakary Sako should prompt the manager to look for some fresh signings and Seri certainly fits the bill.
A strong, tenacious and hardworking central midfielder noted for his drive, determination, accurate passing and ball-distribution skills, Seri also contributes a lot with his creativity, vision and quality on the ball.
Cheikhou Kouyate continues to be a decent option in the ranks at Palace but one can get the feeling that Seri could add that bit of spice and unpredictability to the midfield.
Palace need to show more ambition in the transfer window if they are really serious about challenging for a top-ten finish in the Premier League next season.
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While holding on to the likes of Zaha, Townsend and Wan-Bissaka continue to be a priority for the Eagles, they also need to consider bringing in some quality players in all areas of the pitch. Keeping that in mind, the acquisition of Seri could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for the Eagles.
