Crystal Palace Opinion – Palace in for Jonathan Afolabi – Good Move?
According to a report in Football.London, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are among the clubs interested in signing young Irish striker Jonathan Afolabi during this transfer window.
Afolabi, who is currently guiding the Republic of Ireland’s U19 side into the last four of the U19 Euros, left Southampton at the end of last season and has been the subject of interest from clubs in England and abroad. Sides from Russia and Spain are also keeping a close eye on him. (h/t Football London)
Palace are one of the clubs whose progress to sign the youngster is the furthest as of now. It is understood that they have submitted a contract offer to the player and his representatives. (h/t Football London)
Afolabi left Southampton in order to get more playing time in the first-team. Here’s why Crystal Palace signing him would be good for the player and the club itself:
Palace could do with a player of Afolabi’s quality up front
Jonathan Afolabi is a versatile forward line player, who is predominantly a centre-forward but can also play as a winger on either side or as a support striker if required.
The Republic of Ireland U19 international played in the Premier League Two last season and managed to score four goals and supply two assists in 14 appearances.
In terms of his attributes, Afolabi is a pacy forward who likes to make runs in behind and stretch the opposition defence. He is physically sound against centre-backs and winning aerial duels.
If the opportunity arises, the teenager is good at finishing them off in and around the opposition box. He can link up the play with attacking midfielders as well.
Crystal Palace, who have struggled to have a proper centre-forward in the past two to three seasons, are right to pursue a deal to sign Jonathan Afolabi.
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Conclusion
All in all, we can conclude by saying that Roy Hodgson’s men should beat others in this race to sign the young striker this summer.