Why Crystal Palace should go all out to sign Karl Toko Ekambi in January
Back in October 2015, Daily Mail had claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in signing Karl Toko Ekambi, who was then playing for French club Sochaux. However, a deal didn’t go through.
A youth product of Paris FC, Karl Toko Ekambi, 27, joined Villarreal in 2018 after two successful seasons with Angers.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a solid debut campaign with Villarreal as he netted 18 goals in 43 games across all competitions. And the Cameroon international has started the new campaign well, with five goals and two assists in the La Liga already to his name.
With Ekambi impressing at El Madrigal, Crystal Palace must reignite their interest in the forward during the January transfer window.
After a really solid start the season, Crystal Palace have hit the buffers and are struggling to move upwards in the table.
Roy Hodgson’s side seem to be struggling to get goals in the competition, despite spending in the summer. They have lacked the intensity while moving forward, thus resulting in a dismal run of form of late.
Jordan Ayew has done well in the No. 9 role and while he has been Palace’s top scorer this season, back-up option Christian Benteke hasn’t made a significant impact.
Furthermore, the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend have been hugely inconsistent throughout the 2019/20 term. With that in mind, Hodgson should prioritize signing a new striker and Ekambi would be a smart fit at Selhurst Park.
Ekambi would be a great acquisition for the Eagles in January. Ayew needs support, as well as competition upfront, and the 27-year-old would be perfect.
He has scored plenty of goals for Villarreal and has been impressive this season as well. The Cameroon international, who can also play as a second striker or down the left, could help Palace achieve a top-eight spot.
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According to WhoScored.com, Ekambi has registered an average of 2.3 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game this term for Villarreal. His numbers prove that he has a knack of finding the net.
Verdict
Ekambi has all the qualities to thrive in the Premier League and add a much-needed cutting edge to Palace’s attack. If he can come in and hit the ground running, the Cameroon international could guide Hodgson’s Eagles to a respectable finish in the Premier League.
