As things stand, Crystal Palace and Lyon are still linked.
John Textor is yet to sell his 45% stake – despite recent reports claiming he was close to an agreement with Sportsbank – meaning Crystal Palace still hold close ties with the American’s French side, along with Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek.
The Eagles have not really delved into much player trading with the 59-year-old’s clubs, aside from loaning the likes of Tayo Adaramola and Malcolm Ebiowei to the latter club in Belgium.
Now – however – Crystal Palace are keen to sign Lyon No.37 Ernest Nuamah in January, according to Foot Mercato.
Crystal Palace want Ernest Nuamah
The French news outlet are now claiming that Crystal Palace want to sign the Ghana international this winter.
Nuamah – who Lyon signed from RWD Molenbeek in a €25m (£20.6m) deal in July 2024 – has experienced a tough time since arriving in France, making just three starts in Ligue 1 without scoring or assisting.
In fairness to the 21-year-old, he has been messed around a bit.
Lyon tried to sell Nuamah to Fulham in a £19m deal just weeks after signing him permanently, a decision which left the Ghanaian very upset, and led Textor to issue a public apology.
The man from Missouri was quoted by RMC Sport as saying: “He didn’t want to leave. I contacted Ernest very quickly, I apologised, I learned a lot. He is a very valuable person.”
Despite remaining in France, Nuamah is still struggling for game time, and seeing as Lyon desperately need money, the Ligue 1 side are happy to entertain a sale in January.
Foot Mercato add that Everton and – once again – Fulham are expected to rival Crystal Palace for the forward’s signature.
Dougie Freedman clearly hunting specific type of player for Crystal Palace
Nuamah is a left-footed winger who cuts inside from the right flank, like Michael Olise.
Dougie Freedman is clearly keen to replace the France international stylistically, as many a player of a similar profile have been linked to Selhurst Park in recent weeks.
Crystal Palace are in talks to sign Romain Esse from Millwall, a winger who fits this profile, and one who also has a release clause of just £12m.
Furthermore, Crystal Palace want Rayan Cherki, again, another winger who cuts inside from the right onto his stronger left foot.
Freedman is also eyeing Enzo Millot – the VfB Stuttgart No.8 who ticks this same box, while Crystal Palace like James McAtee of Manchester City too.
Therefore, it would be a surprise if Crystal Palace failed to sign at least one new winger in January.
