Why Jonathan Bamba could be a smart signing for Crystal Palace

Back in February 2018, the Sun had claimed Crystal Palace were one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Jonathan Bamba, who was then playing for Saint-Etienne.

A graduate of the Saint-Etienne youth academy, which he joined in 2011, Jonathan Bamba, 23, joined Lille last summer.

The France Under-21 winger enjoyed a brilliant debut season at Lille, establishing a formidable partnership with the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Rafael Leao as the club finished runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain. He finished the last season with 13 goals and three assists in 38 appearances.

With the 23-year-old hitting the ground running in the new Ligue 1 season, Crystal Palace must rekindle their interest in Bamba when the transfer market reopens.

Crystal Palace surprisingly are sixth in the Premier League after the completion of eight games, with the south London club entering the international by beating West Ham 2-1.

Roy Hodgson will be delighted with how his team have responded since the dire 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United. However, Hodgson knows his squad needs more quality and depth if they are to break into the top six this season.

One area that needs reinforcing is the forward department, with Crystal Palace lacking creativity and goals.

Jordan Ayew may have stepped up his game but he needs more support, other than Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend if he is to score goals consistently. That’s when the signing of Jonathan Bamba would make sense for the Eagles.

Bamba is a pacey forward who can play across the front line but has majorly played on the left at Lille. The France Under-21 international of Ivorian descent likes to cut inside from the left flank and test goalkeepers with his strong right foot from long range.

He is noted for his technical abilities on the ball, lightning pace, silky dribbling skills, as well as quick acceleration, tenacity, drive, determination and clinical finishing.

A skilled right-footed operator down the flanks, the 23-year-old’s low centre-of-gravity allows him to keep good close control in tight areas, whilst his ability to change directions quickly and cut inside with pace makes him a nightmare for the full-backs.

He is adept at creating his own space out wide and he certainly has the range of passing and vision to carve open defences at will.

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If Palace manages to sign Bamba, he could potentially form an exciting attack along with the likes of Zaha, Townsend and Ayew.

Verdict

Bamba is one of French football’s most in-demand talents and his addition would definitely improve the Eagles’ potency in attack. The jet-heeled winger’s potential has been there for everybody to see and he is a player who would offer a lot of value for money.