Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace signing this versatile 23-year-old Tunisian would add some much-needed balance to their team
Crystal Palace opinion: Hodgson should make a move for Ellyes Skhiri
Given their problems with injuries this season, it’s rather surprising that Crystal Palace
While they have recovered from the issues that plagued the club around January, manager Roy Hodgson needs to make reinforcements. The fact that a
That being said, while adding another goalkeeper to their ranks should be at the top of their shortlists, the Eagles also have other concerns.
Their midfield and defence have looked a little bare and their issues up front have been well publicised. Only after the addition of Michy Batshuayi on loan have things dramatically changed.
The Belgian has been in fine form, scoring three goals in his last five games. Yet, the fact that their midfield looks bare is something the club should really address.
The likes of James McCarthy and Cheikhou Kouyate have struggled to make an impact, leaving Hodgson with just Luka Milivojevic to depend on.
However, there is only so much the 27-year-old midfielder can do and that’s exactly why the Eagles should add Ellyes Skhiri. The Montpellier star has been exceptionally good for the Ligue 1 side since his call up.
Skhiri made his way through their youth squads before eventually making his mark for Montpellier’s reserve team, earning a chance to impress for the senior side.
It was here that the 23-year-old’s versatility really came into play and Skhiri’s ability to play as a right-back or centre-back made him a great utility player.
But when used in his preferred defensive midfield position, the 23-year-old really flourishes. That’s simply because this is where the Tunisian does his best work.
A destroyer by trade, what Ellyes Skhiri really excels at is breaking down the play. He uses his incredible ability to guess where a pass will go, cut it out and then play a huge role in the counter-attack.
While his defensive nuance would make him a great partner for Milivojevic, it’s the Tunisian’s offensive abilities that will help the club. Though not as creative as Max Meyer, Ellyes Skhiri can still pick a teammate at distance or set them free with a defence-splitting pass.
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Conclusion
Crystal Palace needs reinforcements in the summer and it has to be additions in more than one area. But at the same time, it has to be someone good enough, which is exactly why adding a utility player like Ellyes Skhiri will help them.
Not only can he play in a wide range of positions, but Skhiri has the skill-set and the talent to do so successfully.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Sign Tottenham Defender Molly Bartrip on Three Year Deal as Experienced Centre-Back Arrives
Crystal Palace have secured defender Molly Bartrip from Tottenham Hotspur on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, completing significant defensive recruitment.
The 30-year-old centre-back arrives following five years establishing herself as reliable Tottenham performer, accumulating 114 competitive appearances whilst contributing toward the club’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup final appearance during the 2023-24 campaign.
Bartrip brings proven elite-level experience accumulated across multiple Women’s Super League environments including her Reading tenure where she contributed toward the Berkshire club’s promotion success and subsequent top flight establishment. Her England youth international recognition combined with sustained elite-level performance suggests established defender capable of immediate championship-level contribution during Crystal Palace’s Women’s Super League campaign.
Experienced Defender Expresses Genuine Palace Enthusiasm
Bartrip articulated authentic emotional connection regarding her Crystal Palace appointment, specifically highlighting the club’s facilities and welcoming environment as sources of genuine excitement. Her language suggests authentic pride in joining the club rather than viewing the transfer as purely career progression, indicating genuine enthusiasm regarding Selhurst Park’s football environment and institutional culture.
The defender’s emphasis upon the people and facilities suggests she identifies genuine competitive advantages within Palace’s structures supporting her anticipated contribution.
Palace Build Defensive Stability Around Experienced Quality
Bartrip becomes Crystal Palace’s sixth summer signing, representing comprehensive squad construction supporting their Women’s Super League competitive ambitions. Her reunion with former Tottenham teammate Bethany England creates existing familiarity within defensive structures, potentially accelerating integration whilst providing established defensive partnership foundation.
This signing feels strategically important for Crystal Palace’s defensive construction. Bartrip arrives with proven Tottenham experience combined with demonstrated consistency across multiple elite environments, providing established quality without requiring substantial developmental investment.
Her willingness to commit to Palace following her Tottenham tenure validates the club’s competitive direction whilst suggesting genuine confidence regarding their championship-level potential moving forward.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet Continues Training Seven Months Pregnant Ahead of WSL Season
Crystal Palace midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet has continued pre-season training while seven months pregnant, demonstrating remarkable commitment toward her team’s preparations ahead of the Women’s Super League campaign.
The 34-year-old Belgian international midfielder, expecting a baby in September with physiotherapist fiancé Thomas De Jonghe, has remained actively involved in squad sessions while visibly pregnant.
Vanhaevermaet joined Crystal Palace last summer and directly contributed toward the club’s immediate Women’s Super League 2 promotion success, establishing herself as valuable squad member during their championship campaign. Her continued training involvement despite advanced pregnancy demonstrates genuine professional dedication combined with appropriate health management during her final trimester.
Professional Standards Balanced With Pregnancy Safety
Crystal Palace’s social media celebration of Vanhaevermaet’s training commitment, “seven months pregnant and still putting the work in”, reflects the club’s recognition of her professionalism, while the midfielder demonstrated her keepy-uppy abilities during training sessions.
Her involvement maintains squad familiarity while permitting appropriate physical modifications consistent with NHS guidance recommending continued physical activity during pregnancy.
NHS recommendations suggest maintaining normal daily activity during pregnancy while avoiding exhaustion, with pregnant women maintaining ability to hold conversations during exercise. Vanhaevermaet’s modified training approach appears appropriately calibrated toward maintaining fitness without excessive intensity.
Squad Maternity Developments Continue
Vanhaevermaet becomes another addition to Crystal Palace’s expanding maternal circumstances, with teammate Josie Green welcoming a daughter Thursday alongside partner Marcus Gan. That collective squad development demonstrates modern women’s football increasingly accommodating player parenthood while maintaining competitive standards.
This situation feels genuinely positive for women’s football’s evolving culture. Rather than forcing players into immediate retirement during pregnancy, Crystal Palace enable Vanhaevermaet to remain squad-involved while managing her health appropriately, suggesting genuine institutional support for players navigating life transitions alongside professional commitments.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Sign England Lexi Lloyd-Smith From Bristol City on Three Year Deal as Prolific Striker Arrives
Crystal Palace have secured England Under-23s striker Lexi Lloyd-Smith from Bristol City on a three year contract. The 23-year-old forward arrives as Women’s Super League 2’s top scorer following an exceptional 2025-26 campaign where she netted 23 goals across 48 appearances, establishing herself as one of the division’s most clinical finishers.
Lloyd-Smith will experience top flight football for the first time following Palace’s second tier runners-up finish securing their Women’s Super League return. Her prolific goalscoring record at second tier level provides genuine foundation for her championship-level transition, combining elite finishing capability with proven consistency across an entire season.
South London Return Carries Genuine Emotional Significance
Lloyd-Smith expressed authentic pride regarding returning to her south London roots, specifically highlighting her Peckham heritage as source of genuine pride and motivation. Her language suggests deep personal connection to representing her home area rather than viewing the move through purely professional lens.
The striker’s emphasis on playing for something meaningful beyond pure competition suggests genuine emotional investment in Palace’s project. Her willingness to return home despite potentially receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere demonstrates values-driven decision making.
Palace Build Championship Attacking Foundation
Manager Jo Potter praised Lloyd-Smith as genuine talent, specifically referencing her demonstrated capability during the previous Women’s Super League 2 campaign. Palace’s dual recruitment of Lloyd-Smith and Bethany England creates formidable attacking partnership combining proven experience with emerging prolific talent.
This signing feels genuinely transformative for Palace’s Women’s Super League ambitions. Rather than hoping to luck into top flight competitiveness, they systematically construct attacking options through proven performers. Lloyd-Smith’s 23 goal season provides genuine foundation for immediate top flight contribution.
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