A new twist has emerged in the potential departure of Dougie Freedman who has been linked with leaving Crystal Palace for Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace looked likely to lose Director of Football Dougie Freedman yesterday as various reports emerged pointing toward that likelihood.
It looked even more bleak as it was reported Freedman would be open to making a move to Manchester United to become part of their new footballing structure under Ineos.
This would be a huge loss for the Eagles and Selhurst Park would likely suffer from his departure as this summer also looks likely to see a handful of players also depart.
Now, Palace have been handed a boost, with a report emerging which is contradictory to every other report, but if correct it could suggest Freedman is set to remain.
Crystal Palace handed potential boost in efforts to keep Dougie Freedman
Despite various reports suggesting Freedman’s departure from Palace was likely ahead of a United approach this week.
Now, The Telegraph has suggested a move for Freedman isn’t actually on the cards for Ineos, with Southampton’s Jason Wilcox preferred.
“Wilcox, who worked with Berrada at City, is greatly admired although United have distanced themselves from a move for the Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman.”
This would be an excellent development for Palace if it turns out to be correct and ahead of a pivotal summer for Oliver Glasner, keeping Freedman could be huge.
Keeping Dougie Freedman is vital, but if he goes a replacement must be swiftly in place
Losing Freedman just months before Glasner’s first transfer window would be a heavy blow and could be seriously damaging to the club’s recruitment this summer.
This means keeping him in place could be pivotal in making sure this summer goes smoothly for Glasner.
But if it turns out that Freedman is in fact set to depart, Palace cannot waste time and must find a suitable replacement, and this could actually be an opportunity to bring someone in that Glasner can work with.
A fresh start across the board, with a new director of football arriving possibly with experience in Europe which could be an ideal combination with Glasner.
READ MORE: Who is Dougie Freedman? The Crystal Palace Sporting Director linked with Manchester United switch
