The first signing of 2025 for Crystal Palace is now underway as the Eagles open talks with one of the Championship’s most exciting players.
This season is finally beginning to turn around for Crystal Palace on the field, with Tuesday’s win against Ipswich Town potentially being a watershed moment.
The Eagles now sit 17th in the league, however, another win would see relegation fears completely calmed and a move as high as 14th.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 14 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 18 | -6 | 12 |
With less than a month until the January transfer window opens, the priority positions are crystal clear. With Oliver Glasner asking for a forward and a wing-back.
It has been claimed that a creative forward was Dougie Freedman’s aim, and talks have now opened for signing number one of the new year.
READ MORE: Who is Dougie Freedman? The Crystal Palace Sporting Director linked with Manchester United switch
Crystal Palace open talks to sign Romain Esse
All season long, the one player who has looked destined to be signed by Crystal Palace was Millwall’s Romain Esse as he goes from strength to strength in the Championship.
Esse has been linked with the Eagles on numerous occasions but expects to face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs along with the Bundesliga.
However, on Thursday it has now broke that the Eagles are in talks to sign Esse.
This comes via The Standard, which claims that talks are now ongoing over the deal to bring Esse to Selhurst Park. However, this includes the possibility of Esse being sent back on loan to Millwall until May.
The 19-year-old has long been admired by Freedman – who has watched Esse this season on numerous times.
Crystal Palace is thought to be growing in confidence over their chances of signing Esse with his release clause eliminating the need for negotiation.
Esse ticks big box for Oliver Glasner but leaves work to be done
The signing of Esse would be one welcomed at Copers Cope.
Glasner has made it clear he wants business done early, and so to be working on deals in December, the Austrian will be thrilled.
However, if the teenager is to head back on loan then he wouldn’t tick the box of strengthening that Glasner has asked for in January 2025.
This leaves the door open for Palace to possibly still swoop for a player like Rayan Cherki for example who can make an immediate impact on the first team.
