Why Crystal Palace should sign Bouna Sarr to boost their defensive options
According to Liverpool Echo, Crystal Palace are among several clubs interested in signing Marseille star Bouna Sarr in the summer.
Sarr, 28, came to prominence with his time at Ligue 1 side Metz and his impressive performances earned him a move to Marseille in the summer of 2016. Since then, he has been the first-choice right-back for the French outfit and was instrumental in his side’s run to the Europa League final in the 2017/18 season.
He has established himself as one of the first-names in Andre-Villas Boas’ squad this term and has been a regular on the right side of the pitch for Marseille. His performances have also caught the attention of Everton, who are also in the race to sign him, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are currently 11th in the league after winning their last three league games before the season got suspended. Though they are in a decent position in the table, Roy Hodgson’s men haven’t been consistent enough, as they have failed to put in a string of good performances.
The manager has had to do with limited players available in several key areas and one position that needs to be strengthened is the right-back position. Martin Kelly and Joel Ward are the two right-backs available at the manager’s disposal but neither of them have cemented their place in the starting XI.
The manager has shuffled between the English duo for the majority of the season and both of them have just one more year left on their contract at Selhurst Park. While nothing can be said of their extended stay with the Eagles, it would be a wise move by the manager to bring in reinforcements to strengthen that position. And Marseille’s Bouna Sarr would be a viable option for the club.
Sarr has already featured in 27 Ligue 1 games this term and has racked up 1 goal and 3 assists so far. Whereas, Ward and Kelly have combined to provide just one assist throughout the campaign for the Eagles. And bringing in the Frenchman would be a big boost to the squad.
His inclusion would also bring in a healthy competition for the English duo and this could be a sign of progress for Hodgson’s side. Sarr has made 256 career appearances and his experience would be helpful for Crystal Palace if he joins them.
Read more
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Verdict
At 28, the Frenchman is in the peak years of his career and given his impressive performances this season, he would be a valuable addition to the Eagles. Thus, Palace must get ahead in the race to sign him and lure the former Metz man to Selhurst Park in the summer.
