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Crystal Palace signing this 23-year-old Colombian starlet would be the right step forward by Hodgson – agreed?

Crystal Palace opinion: Eagles want Rafael Santos Borre – good choice?

Colombian news outlet Diario del Cauca has reported that Crystal Palace have entered the race for former Atletico Madrid striker Rafael Santos Borre.

Currently contracted to River Plate, the Colombian had struggled to make an impact with the Los Rojiblancos, owing to their surplus of forwards.

The Colombian had impressed in his loan spells with Deportivo Cali and Villarreal before moving to River Plate. The 23-year-old arrived at the start of last season and became manager Marcelo Gallardo’s focal point during the Copa Libertadores.

He even made the cut for the final of the tournament against Boca Juniors, missing the second leg due to a yellow card suspension. But that didn’t stop Rafael Santos Borre from finding the net, producing 14 goals in all competitions.

That combined with the fact that he only played 1674 minutes in 33 appearances is a remarkable achievement.

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That is a sensational record for someone who was considered to be a flop at Atletico Madrid. It also shows why Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for the striker as they lack a certified goal scorer.

While they did add Michy Batshuayi on loan in January, Chelsea’s transfer ban means that a permanent move may not be on the cards.

That will hurt the Eagles next season as they have struggled to acquire a proper number nine. It was on show during the first half of the season, with manager Roy Hodgson trying everything to get the best out of the team but to no avail.

The likes of Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew, and Alexander Sorloth have struggled to make an impact. Palace should consider a move for Rafael Santos Borre because his electric pace combined with his link-up play are attributes that would suit Palace’s counter-attacking approach.

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However, what could be a small issue is the fact that the 23-year-old is not the strongest player in the world. That could be a problem initially but Santos Borre could follow Wilfried Zaha’s example, who bulked up after his move back to Selhurst Park.

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Conclusion

Crystal Palace need a reliable goalscorer. That has been the club’s problem for quite some time now and while both Zaha and Townsend can contribute with a few goals, it isn’t enough.

If not Rafael Santos Borre, the Eagles really need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, they could face the prospect of getting relegated next season.