Why Ozan Tufan would be a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace

Back in November 2018, Turkish publication Aksam (h/t Football.London) had claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in signing Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan. However, a deal didn’t materialise then.

Ozan Tufan, 24, has been one of the best players for Fenerbahce since returning to the club from Alanyaspor in the summer. He has made 19 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

The Turkey international put in a match-winning performance in Fenerbahce’s 3-1 win over Istanbul neighbours Besiktas on Sunday. The midfielder scored and assisted in that game as Fenerbahce climbed to third place in the Super Lig table.

With Tufan impressing this campaign, Crystal Palace must rekindle their interest in him when the transfer window reopens next month.

Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan in action. (Getty Images)

Crystal Palace are in dire need of a goalscorer due to the struggles of their strikers. It is an area Roy Hodgson should prioritise addressing during the winter window if the Eagles are to achieve a top-eight finish this term. Apart from a striker, the South Londoners could also do well by signing a central midfielder.

Given Palace’s ageing midfield which includes the likes of James McCarthy (28), Luka Milivojevic (28), Cheikhou Kouyate (30) and James McArthur (32), the addition of a young player would give Hodgson’s side more dynamism and legs in the engine room.

Victor Camarasa has been overlooked since arriving on loan from Real Betis in the summer and the Spanish midfielder’s loan spell could be cut short in January (h/t Football London). Hence, Hodgson would do a good job by replacing him with Ozan Tufan.

Camarasa and Tufan are both entirely different players but Hodgson cannot afford to let go of a player and not replace him, as games come thick and fast.

Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace looks on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Norwich City at Selhurst Park. (Getty Images)

As far as Tufan is concerned, the loan spell at Alanyaspor has worked wonders as he has returned to Fenerbahce as an improved player. The 24-year-old is one of the best midfielders in the Super Lig at the moment and is likely to play a crucial role in Turkey’s Euro 2020 campaign.

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As per WhoScored, the Turk has registered 2.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and 0.1 blocks in 16 appearances, whilst achieving a healthy pass success rate of 82.9%. Tufan’s versatility to operate at right-back should also come handy for the Eagles, who didn’t replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer.

Verdict

At the age of 24, Tufan is slowly starting to achieve his potential. He has the qualities to thrive in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League and should be a smart addition to Palace’s ranks in January.