With the January transfer window now upon us, Palace have a great opportunity to strengthen the squad for the second half of the Premier League season.
The Eagles have maintained a solid defensive foundation with the additions of Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah alongside the ever-present Marc Guehi, but improving depth across the squad could help lift the team to new heights. Here’s a closer look at potential transfer targets who could provide the spark needed to elevate Oliver Glasner’s side.
EL HADJI MALICK DIOUF (featured image)
Club: Slavia Prague | Position: Left Back | Age: 20 | Nationality: Senegalese
Tyrick Mitchell has been a model of defensive reliability at left-back for Palace, thriving under the pragmatic setups of previous managers. But in Oliver Glasner’s system, where full-backs are expected to play with energy and attacking intent, Mitchell’s conservative style sometimes feels out of sync. Meanwhile on the opposite flank, Daniel Munoz epitomises the dynamism Glasner demands, combining defensive grit with relentless forward runs. Naturally, this contrast has sparked speculation, with plenty of rumours regarding potential targets who could elevate Glasner’s system.
Rumours have included El Hadji Malick Diouf — Slavia Prague’s talented 20-year-old left wing-back, who has been a standout performer in the Czech league this season. Diouf’s attacking output has been particularly eye-catching, with six goals and three assists in just 18 league appearances, highlighting his ability to contribute in the final third. However, Palace aren’t alone in their pursuit, as several other Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring the young starlet, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle.
JUMA BAH
Club: Real Valladolid | Position: Centre-Back | Age: 18 | Nationality: Sierra Leone
Palace may also look to strengthen their depth at centre-back, anticipating the potential departure of Marc Guehi within the next 18 months and Trevoh Chalobah’s return to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell this summer. One name generating buzz is Juma Bah, the 18-year-old centre-back from Real Valladolid, who has impressed with his composure and versatility. Having occasionally featured in a back three for Valladolid, Bah offers tactical flexibility and would provide welcome depth to Palace’s defensive ranks.
Crucially, he could represent a more cost-effective option compared to a permanent move for Trevoh Chalobah, whose loan spell has been encouraging but might come with a hefty price tag. However, Palace may face stiff competition for Bah, as recent reports suggest Newcastle and Manchester City are also eyeing the promising young defender.
JHON ARIAS
Club: Fluminense | Position: Right Winger | Age: 27 | Nationality: Colombian
Following the summer sale of Michael Olise, Palace may look to strengthen right-wing options as they seek more depth on the flanks. While Ismaïla Sarr has become a crucial starter and is delivering goals, additional reinforcements will be needed to ensure Palace aren’t overly reliant on his contributions.
Palace are reportedly among the clubs’ keeping tabs on Jhon Arias, a 27-year-old Colombian winger currently playing in Brazil’s Série A with Fluminense. Arias is a versatile forward who can operate across the front line, whether as a right winger, left winger, or attacking midfielder, and has been a consistent source of creativity and goals for Fluminense.
This January could see Arias link up with his Colombian compatriots at Palace, Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, with Palace potentially finding Arias more attainable than their targets in Europe. With Palace in need of more depth and quality options in wide-areas, Arias could replicate Sarr’s pace and unpredictability that would add an extra dimension to Glasner’s attacking style.
ROMAIN ESSE
Club: Millwall | Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 19 | Nationality: English
Another possible target for Palace could be Romain Esse, a young, exciting midfielder who has already established himself as a key player for Millwall. Palace have had a lot of success in recent years from successful Championship recruits like Adam Wharton, Ebere Eze, and Michael Olise, and may be hoping Esse could continue this trend.
The 19-year-old has shown his ability to operate across various attacking roles, making him an intriguing prospect for Palace’s evolving system. His creativity, pace, and eye for goal would provide much-needed depth in the wide areas, particularly following the departure of Michael Olise.
However, Esse has already been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with his standout performances catching the eye of many Premier League clubs. AFC Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest have all reportedly expressed an interest, meaning Palace could face fierce competition for Esse’s signature.
RAYAN CHERKI
Club: Lyon | Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger | Age: 21 | Nationality: French
Finally, Rayan Cherki looks to be Palace’s most ambitious transfer target. The 21-year-old attacking sensation from Lyon is known for his flair, dribbling, and creativity, and would significantly boost Palace’s offensive options.
Making 17 appearances and contributing 3 goals and 9 assists across all competitions, Cherki’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with his market value currently estimated at €30 million. This valuation reflects his growing reputation and the interest he has garnered from top European clubs, most notably from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.
Evidently, a deal for one of Lyon’s star players is likely to be a difficult one to pull off. Additionally, the rumoured sale of John Textor’s stake in the Palace ownership could further complicate the transfer, making him the club’s most expensive and challenging target. Palace will need to navigate stiff competition and financial hurdles to secure this exciting talent.
