Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for West Ham United centre-back Issa Diop as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to continue his overhaul of the first-team squad.
What’s the story?
According to French outlet FootMercato, the Eagles are one of three Premier League clubs keen on acquiring the 24-year-old’s services this summer, with Wolves and Southampton also credited with an interest.
The Hammers are thought to be closing in on the signature of Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic, so David Moyes could be prepared to let Diop depart the London Stadium over the coming weeks.
With Palace now reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Ozan Kabak, everything could be lined up for the former France under-21 international to make the short switch from east to south London.
Heir to Gary Cahill
Following his move from boyhood club Toulouse in a £22m deal three years ago, Diop settled into life on English shores well, quickly establishing himself in the Irons’ starting XI. The £16.2m-rated gem made 33 Premier League appearances in his debut season, and his domineering displays earned several admirers, including former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
“Their centre-backs had a fantastic match,” said the then-Red Devils boss following the Hammers’ 3-1 victory over United back in 2018. “Congratulations to the scout who found Diop, a monster who dictated everything.”
However, the 24-year-old has struggled to live up to his early promise over the last couple of campaigns. Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna established a formidable partnership in the heart of West Ham’s defence last term, limiting Diop to just 15 top-flight starts.
As a result, the Frenchman has been linked with an imminent exit from the London Stadium, and Palace could be an ideal destination. With Mamadou Sakho, Scott Dann and Gary Cahill all being released on free transfers this summer, Vieira has already been forced to add several reinforcements to his backline.
The arrivals of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi have strengthened the Eagles’ options in central defence, but their attempts to re-sign Cahill ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Indeed, like the Irons defender, the 35-year-old is renowned for his aerial prowess, having won 3.5 headers per game in each of the last two Premier League seasons. The Frenchman won 2.5 aerial duels per match in the 2019/20 campaign, also illustrating his ability in the air.
Therefore, Diop could prove to be the perfect heir to the former Chelsea ace. A fresh challenge and new surroundings may be the ideal combinations for the player to rediscover his best form, adding another valuable asset to Palace’s new era.
In other news… Ed Aarons drops big Crystal Palace transfer update, Vieira will be gutted
