Crystal Palace seems keen to strengthen one particular position in January and this could leave a wonderkid concerned.
After a horrendous start to the 2024/25 season, Dougie Freedman could hardly be blamed for wanting to strengthen in numerous positions in the January transfer window.
Crystal Palace sit 18th in the Premier League table and once again on a winless streak after only ending the last one against Tottenham in recent weeks.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 10 |
| 17 |  IpswichIpswich | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 22 | -10 | 8 |
| 18 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 11 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 7 |
| 19 |  WolvesWolves | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 6 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 21 | -14 | 4 |
This has now meant rumours are heating up around where the Eagles will look to strengthen in January. Crystal Palace’s relegation chances are continuing to rise week-by-week and the biggest problem is the lack of goals.
Due to this, it has been reported the Eagles will definitely sign a forward in January. But another position is also the subject of many rumours.
Crystal Palace’s hunt for a centre-back
Despite being defensively solid – at least compared to the attack – the central defender roles are once again a priority for the Eagles.
In the past few days, we have seen links pointing Crystal Palace towards Tomas Araujo. Meanwhile, Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe has also seen his name linked.
The defensive group at Selhurst Park is arguably the strongest area of the squad.
Such a strong group could make us wonder why there are so many links to centre-halves around Crystal Palace.
However, the answer seems to depend on Guehi, with the captain’s future still unclear and rumours suggesting Crystal Palace are resigned to his exit in 2025.
Even if Guehi does leave though – there is more than enough cover, especially when considering the up-and-coming status of Mofe Jemide at the club.
Mofe Jemide will feel concerned about the latest Crystal Palace rumours
Crystal Palace wonderkid Mofe Jemide is tipped to be one of the best up-and-coming defenders in the country. We saw this on display as Jemide dominated at an U21 level, even upstaging his senior teammate Rob Holding on the night.
Back in 2023, Jemide was labelled the Eagles’ best talent even ahead of the likes of superstar in the making Jesse Derry.
But for Jemide, the rumours linking Crystal Palace with numerous young defenders will be far from ideal as he will see these as blocking his path.
Such a talented footballer, already shining in U21 football, Jemide will likely be targeting senior football in the next season or two – but this may end up being away from Crystal Palace if these reported targets are signed.
Instead, Glasner should leave the backup spot for Jemide and show faith in the youth. It has rarely failed the Eagles in recent years to do this.
