Crystal Palace are now looking toward strengthening in 2025, with further defensive reinforcements being targeted.
The summer transfer window saw Crystal Palace sign three new centre-backs to replace the outgoings at the club and also make the squad more fit for purpose with Glasner’s three-at-the-back formation.
James Tomkins and Joachim Andersen departed, making way for the arrivals of Chadi Riad, Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah (on loan).
This overhaul of the position has been a success this season, with Lacroix and Chalobah stepping up to more than adequately fill the gap left by Andersen.
However, 2025 could see yet further moving parts around the defensive group.
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Crystal Palace still hoping to sign Tomas Araujo
During the summer, one major target for Crystal Palace in central defence was Benfica’s Tomas Araujo.
Crystal Palace had a £25.4m bid rejected for Araujo as the Portuguese giants were demanding his £84m release clause be paid in order to sanction a sale.
Now though, according to O Jogo the exit of Araujo could yet come in 2025 as his exit in January is being considered.
Crystal Palace and Chelsea have already made contact over signing the defender – although the favourites are Newcastle.
The sticking point for the Eagles though, will likely be the price tag – which remains the release clause. Even if negotiated down, it is a price we cannot imagine Steve Parish spending such a fee.
2025 could see another defensive overhaul at Selhurst Park
Defensively, the excuse to spend so much on Araujo could only be justified by the big-money sale of Marc Guehi.
A target for Newcastle in the summer, the Eagles could possibly use the Guehi money to eliminate Newcastle from the Araujo race.
However, it may be more than one addition that Crystal Palace are looking for with Chalobah’s loan potentially expiring in June.
Mofe Jemide may be one solution with the teenager very talented and in the next few years could be knocking on the door for the first team.
Freedman has plenty of work to get on with in the new year and we are excited to see how the squad shapes up.
