Aki Riihilahti has now shared his reaction after Luke Plange left Crystal Palace to join HJK Helsinki on loan.
The 47-year-old made the comments on X (previously known as Twitter).
So, what did Aki Riihilahti say about Luke Plange leaving Crystal Palace on loan? Let’s take a look…
Aki Riihilahti reacts as Luke Plange departs Crystal Palace
Well, the man from Finland is something of a cult hero at Selhurst Park – he made 173 appearances in total for the Eagles, scoring 14 goals.
Riihilahti is now Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HJK Helsinki – and said the following after securing Plange’s services on loan until January 2025.
“We will take good care of him 👍”
Plange stayed behind in south London as his fellow teammates travelled to Marbella for a warm weather training camp ahead of his loan move to Finland.
The 21-year-old has previously spent time on loan at John Textor’s RWD Molenbeek in Belgium, while also turning out for Lincoln City and Carlisle United.
Big opportunity
Plange has struggled for playing time since arriving in a £1m deal from Derby County back in January 2022.
The England U20 international is yet to actually make his senior debut for Crystal Palace, despite appearing on the bench several times.
Plange has plenty of potential, but he must start showing Oliver Glasner something special having struggled in those aforementioned loan spells.
The striker from Kingston upon Thames scored two goals in 26 appearances for Carlisle United, two in 16 for RWD Molenbeek and none in 18 outings for Lincoln City.
Therefore, Plange must make his time at HJK Helsinki count – especially as Glasner is believed to be looking at signing another forward in Oumar Diakite, according to the South London Press.
That same report mentions Odsonne Edouard could be sold – the Frenchman is another striker who needs to prove himself under the Austrian, although he has sadly suffered an injury in Marbella.
