Why Crystal Palace should make a move for Josh Cullen
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on West Ham star Josh Cullen this summer.
The report suggests that Cullen has just one more year left on his contract with the Hammers and could be available for a low fee. However, the Eagles should face competition to secure his services as Fulham are also interested in signing the 24-year-old.
Profile
Born in England, Cullen flourished through the ranks of West Ham’s youth system. However, he has found it hard to break into the senior team and has spent the majority of his career so far on loan spells. He played for Bradford and Bolton before going out on loan to Charlton Athletic in August 2018.
The Irish international played a key role in the Addicks’ promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2018/19 campaign. He then stayed with them for another season and established himself as a key figure in the squad.
His impressive loan spells also earned him a call-up to the Irish national team as he made his debut for Ireland last September.
Cullen could provide depth to Palace’s midfield
Having secured the services of highly-talented Eberechi Eze a few days back, the Eagles boss Roy Hodgson should also look to strengthen other key areas. One area where the manager should focus on strengthening is the midfield.
At the moment, Palace have only three attack-minded midfielders in the squad. James McArthur and James McCarthy were regular starters in the middle of the park for Hodgson and they did a decent job. But Jeffrey Schlupp was out of action for the majority of the campaign due to a hip injury and wasn’t the same since his return.
However, McArthur is already 32, and ageing and McCarthy has been linked with a move elsewhere. Thus, the Eagles should consider this and bring midfield reinforcements this summer. And West Ham’s Cullen would be a good addition to the squad.
The Irish international has been consistent and reliable in the last couple of years and has gone from strength to strength. He could be a future replacement for McArthur, who is ageing and has just one more year left on his contract with the club.
The 24-year-old is capable of operating from a deeper position as well as in an advanced role that could come in handy for the manager in various ways. Moreover, his inclusion to Palace’s squad would provide them with some much-needed depth in the squad.
Read more
- Why Eberechi Eze would be an excellent addition at Crystal Palace
- Why Jean-Philippe Mateta to Crystal Palace would bolster their attack
Verdict
With the uncertain futures of two of their midfielders, it is clear that Palace are in dire need of central midfielders. And Cullen, who has been consistent, would provide them with some quality. He is just 24 and could also go on to represent the Eagles in the long run. Thus, signing the Irishman would be a wise decision by the club.
