Crystal Palace
Crystal signing this 29-year-old Ligue 1 powerhouse would be a smart tactical move by Hodson – Here’s why
Why Crystal Palace should make a move for Hiroki Sakai in January
According to a report from the Evening Standard, Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson wants reinforcements in January as he eyes a top-six finish. The veteran tactician is targeting a striker and two new full-backs when the transfer window opens.
After a slow start to the new Premier League season, Crystal Palace have garnered some momentum and are placed sixth in the table, above the likes of Tottenham, Wolves and Manchester United. They headed into the international break after enjoying a 2-1 success over West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
A vast improvement in performances and results has seen Roy Hodgson now aspiring for a top-six finish but wants a couple of new additions to achieve it. A striker is an absolute must considering the Eagles have again struggled for goals. Jordan Ayew has three goals in seven games but he needs a partner to play up top with him.
Christian Benteke has been a pale shadow of his former self, while Wilfried Zaha’s future remains in doubt.
Palace would do a sensible job by signing a centre-forward in January. As far as the right-back area is concerned, Hodgson failed to bring in a player to fill the void left by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Wan-Bissaka’s departure has left the Palace boss with Joel Ward and Martin Kelly as the only options at right-back. While Ward has done well so far this season, signing a right-back as a replacement for Wan-Bissaka stands as a no-brainer and the Eagles must revive their interest in Marseille’s Hiroki Sakai.
Hiroki Sakai, 29, joined Marseille in 2016 from Bundesliga outfit Hannover on a free transfer. He played 32 games last season, netting one and assisting five. The Japanese international has made close to 130 appearances for Marseille, establishing himself as one of the most consistent players at the club.
The 29-year-old, who was linked to Crystal Palace last year, would certainly bolster Palace’s defensive ranks. Predominantly a right-back, Sakai is capable of playing anywhere across the backline, featuring at left-back and at centre-back for his clubs and his country throughout his career.
He is a technically sound, physically strong defender who never gives less than 100% on the pitch.
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The Japanese’s defensive qualities allow him to track back and make recovery runs to cut out the attacks, while his ability to time his tackles to perfection makes him a valuable player to the backline. His volumes of European experience would make him an asset for the Eagles.
Verdict
All in all, there’s no doubt in saying that Sakai has the required qualities to flourish in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. Thus, Palace should go all out to sign him.
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.
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