Crystal Palace are yet to complete the transfer business this summer, with a handful of other positions needing to be strengthened.
This summer has seen Crystal Palace do some excellent business in the transfer window, and yet we may still see more work done to bolster Oliver Glasner’s squad.
Chadi Riad has been solid so far at centre-back, Daichi Kamada has been running the show throughout pre-season so far and the latest addition Ismaila Sarr could be making his debut this coming weekend.
But despite the additions, there is still work to do for Palace and with potential other sales to come it may end up being a busy final few weeks in the transfer market.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Crystal Palace still want to sign Aster Vranckx
The Eagles might’ve made three additions, but one position rumoured to be a priority is yet to be strengthened by Dougie Freedman and co.
This position is midfield, which has seen a number of names linked with a Selhurst Park move this summer.
But now, months after first being linked with an £8m move, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Crystal Palace remain very interested in signing Aster Vranckx this summer from Wolfsburg.
“The young Belgian international remains very interesting for Palace,” explained Romano on his Instagram story, before he added that a deal isn’t guaranteed for Palace.
“Stuttgart and Italian clubs are looking carefully at his situation. For his part, Wolfsburg is trying to extend his contract.”
Vranckx has the famous comparison to Kevin De Bruyne, although we think he would offer deeper on the pitch than a De Bruyne-like talent would.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace transfer rumours: Every player linked to and from Selhurst Park this summer
What are Vranckx’s top qualities?
As a footballer, Vranckx is primarily a defensive-minded talent and it is here that he shines the most. However, on the ball, he is capable of driving play forward with excellent take-on ability which is a quality many wouldn’t assume given his size and defensive qualities.
| Stat | Per 90 | Percentile |
| Tackles | 2.50 | 79th |
| Interceptions | 1.09 | 64th |
| Blocks | 1.33 | 63rd |
| Clearances | 2.26 | 93rd |
| Aerials Won | 1.17 | 67th |
The stats from FBRef tell the story that Vranckx is absolutely brilliant in the defensive aspect of the game, although we do struggle to envisage where he’d fit into a starting line up for Palace.
It could be that Glasner considers Vranckx the perfect midfield option to be a squad player to come on and secure results or to play against teams who will dominate.
We will have to see if Palace end up formalising the interest, but if the Eagles do, it could be a great addition.
