Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in Ilaix Moriba, and they are considering making an approach to RB Leipzig for the 19-year-old midfielder.
According to Foot Mercato, Ilaix Moriba is a target for Crystal Palace, with the London club considering approaching RB Leipzig for the midfielder. The 19-year-old joined the Bundesliga club last summer and spent the second half of last season with Valencia, where he was solid.
Last summer, there was tremendous interest in Ilaix Moriba as the youngster was keen to leave Barcelona after much deliberation. While Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, showed interest, RB Leipzig won the race and signed the teenage midfield sensation in an £8 million deal.
Moriba was expected to make a significant impact in the Bundesliga but underwhelmed with his early displays with Leipzig. The Bundesliga giants subsequently shipped the 19-year-old out on loan to Valencia in the January transfer window, and the midfielder left a lasting impression with the Spanish club.
Moriba played 18 times for Los Che in the campaign’s second half. Valencia pondered keeping him for a longer period, but their financial trouble makes it difficult to even consider signing the midfielder. Similarly, they could not prise Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira, despite the player wanting the move.
Meanwhile, RB Leipzig may have offers from different clubs, with Crystal Palace’s interest being reported in the French media. Patrick Vieira might be looking at the midfielder once again, as he would like to bring in young players to be part of his project.
Crystal Palace have already signed Cheick Doucoure from RC Lens in a big move, and the midfielder could be shoehorned into the side right from the first game. While the Eagles are keen to move on from some of the ageing stars, someone like Moriba could add new vigour to the team.
For now, Crystal Palace could explore the idea of signing Moriba from Leipzig. The Bundesliga giants could be tempted to cash in if a reasonable offer comes in this summer. Moriba would cost much more than the £8 million they paid last summer.
However, the 19-year-old midfield sensation could also intervene if he senses the opportunity to secure regular game time at Crystal Palace. Considering he went away on loan last January, there could be doubts over his long-term future at the Bundesliga club.
