Crystal Palace
Why Crystal Palace should add some quality depth to their squad by reigniting their interest in West Ham star
Why Crystal Palace should reignite their interest in Michail Antonio in January
Crystal Palace were interested in signing West Ham attacker Michail Antonio during the summer transfer window, reports the Sky Sports. However, a move to Crystal Palace never materialised and Antonio has stayed at West Ham.
The 28-year-old struggled with fitness problems last season that saw him manage just 21 appearances. As a result, West Ham were prepared to sell him at the right price. But the 28-year-old has proved his fitness to new manager Manuel Pellegrini and has made nine appearances in all competitions this season.
However, Antonio isn’t a regular starter for the Hammers under Pellegrini and Palace must look to tempt the player by offering him regular game time in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace are struggling at the moment and most surprisingly, are yet to win a Premier League game at home this season.
Roy Hodgson’s tactics have been hit and miss as he has constantly switched formations due to various factors. One of the most important factors for his constant tactical switch has been injuries.
Christian Benteke has not featured for the Eagles since their 2-0 defeat to Southampton on September 1 and recently underwent a knee surgery. Benteke has featured four times for Palace in the league this season but is yet to score, and his absence has led to Hodgson experimenting with different players.
In Benteke’s absence, neither Jordan Ayew nor Alexander Sorloth has delivered as Palace continue to struggle for goals. Wilfried Zaha has been carrying the club on his shoulders for the last couple of seasons and without him, Palace have a dismal record. Hence, it would make sense if Hodgson splashed the cash on an attacking player to relieve some pressure off Zaha’s shoulders.
Antonio would fit the bill perfectly at Selhurst Park. With his ability to play in a number of positions – including right wing-back, left wing-back, left and right midfield, and false 9, Antonio would be a welcome addition to Palace’s squad.
Michail Antonio
The 28-year-old possesses a bag of tricks and a direct playing style that would help Hodgson’s team improve the potency of their play in the final third.
Antonio would bring a lot of pace to Palace’s attacking ranks and his versatility means Hodgson can use him in various positions. An incredibly hard worker and unplayable on his day, Antonio has proven himself in the top-flight at West Ham.
Read more: Why Crystal Palace could do themselves a real big favour by signing this 6ft 2in giant in January
If Antonio can keep himself fit, he would represent a fantastic buy for Palace. He would add quality and depth to the Palace squad in January ahead of the gruelling second half of the season.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Sign Manchester United Defender on Loan Until End of Season as Young Centre Back Seeks Regular First Team Football
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Lucy Newell on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. The Eagles announced the deal via their official club website this evening as they strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the Championship campaign.
The 19 year old Shrewsbury born centre back has been with Manchester United since 2023. She initially signed dual registration terms with The Red Devils from third tier West Bromwich Albion before joining permanently the following year, signing her first professional contract just months later.
Development Continues Through Loan Spells
Newell has furthered her development in recent loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. This represents a smart move for the youngster, who needs regular first team football to continue pushing on rather than sitting on the bench at Manchester United watching from the sidelines.
The defender has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under 20 level, demonstrating her potential and pedigree at international standard. Crystal Palace manager Jo Potter expressed delight at securing the loan signing.
Potter Praises Promising Talent
“We are delighted to have Lucy join us at Palace. She is a promising talent who has already gained some good experience at club and international level,” Potter said. This is exactly the kind of young, hungry player Crystal Palace need as they look to solidify their Championship status.
Newell could go straight into the Crystal Palace squad for Sunday’s Barclays WSL2 fixture against Durham. The Eagles will hope her Manchester United pedigree and international experience can help shore up their defence during a crucial period.
Palace currently sit mid table in the Championship and will view Newell’s arrival as an excellent opportunity to add quality depth to their defensive options.
Also read: Why Will Arsenal Defender Emily Fox Miss Manchester United League Cup Semi Final?
Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.
The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.
Crystal Palace Development Period
Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.
She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.
Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window
Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.
The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.
Uncertain Future Path
Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.
Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV
Crystal Palace have announced the departure of midfielder Shanade Hopcroft, who leaves the club at the end of her contract. The 28 year old previously signed a short term extension at the start of the season but will now seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Hopcroft joined Crystal Palace in summer 2023 after leaving capital rivals London City Lionesses. The midfielder played a starring role as The Eagles won the Barclays WSL2 title in 2023-24, securing long awaited promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Injury Struggles Limited Top Flight Appearances
Hopcroft’s top tier game time was severely limited after suffering rotten luck with injuries. She was able to turn out for Crystal Palace in the WSL on just three occasions before the club’s relegation back to the Championship.
The midfielder has been a regular in the Crystal Palace side this season and returned to good form. She helped the team gradually get their season back on track after an initial slow start to the campaign, leaving South London off the back of a three match winning run in WSL2.
Next Move Unknown for In Form Midfielder
Hopcroft’s next career move is not yet known, however she will not be short of offers for her services given her performances in the Championship. The experienced midfielder has proven herself capable at both WSL2 and top flight level when fit.
Crystal Palace will need to replace Hopcroft’s experience in midfield as they look to mount another promotion challenge. The Eagles currently sit mid table in the Championship after recovering from their difficult start to the season following immediate relegation from the WSL.
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”