Crystal Palace supporters should be ‘very excited’ about the imminent arrival of Cheick Doucoure from RC Lens, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.
The Eagles are close to finalising a deal for the highly-rated 22-year-old after agreeing an initial fee of £18 million with his current club.
What is the latest news involving Doucoure?
A report from The Guardian at the end of June stated that Doucoure had emerged as one of Palace manager Patrick Vieira’s top targets following an outstanding 2021/22 campaign.
The Mali international is expected to agree a five-year contract at Selhurst Park after agreeing personal terms.
It’s believed that the south London outfit had an initial £14m offer rejected by Lens for their prized asset before returning with an acceptable package that could rise to £22m with potential add-ons.
Doucoure will be tasked with replacing loan star Conor Gallagher in Palace’s midfield, while Cheikhou Kouyate has also departed, becoming a free agent following the expiration of his previous deal.
That leaves the likes of Luka Milivojević, Will Hughes, James McArthur and Eberechi Eze to occupy the engine room, and Doucoure will surely be a welcomed addition.
What has Bridge said about Doucoure?
Bridge believes Doucoure will be able to replace both Kouyate and Gallagher, although believes Palace could still make another signing in the midfield area this summer.
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He told GiveMeSport: “They're replacing Cheickhou Kouyate and Conor Gallagher with one player. And that's not to say they're only going to just bring him in, they'll probably want to bring in another midfielder.
“But I'm hearing this guy is a bit of everything, and he's good at everything, and he's a nightmare to play against. So, Palace fans should be very excited.”
How good is Doucoure?
Doucoure played a pivotal part in Lens recording a consecutive seventh-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season, registering one goal and four assists in 33 top-flight fixtures.
The defensive-minded dynamo excels at breaking up opposition attacks before kickstarting ones of his one, either by dragging his team up the field with the ball at his feet or by utilising his impressive passing range.
As per FBref, Doucoure has ranked in the 93rd percentile for progressive carries and progressive passes while also ranking in the 84th for interceptions amongst fellow central midfielders over the last year.
In the robust 5 foot 11 star, Palace appear to have found a player who is a perfect fit for the Premier League, but only time will tell if he is capable of adjusting to life in English football.