Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old German winger Jan-Niklas Beste from SL Benfica after establishing contact regarding a winter move.
According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Jan-Niklas Beste remains the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been scouring the market for an offensive reinforcement heading into the winter transfer window. So, the SL Benfica winger has emerged as a target, with the South London club establishing contact over a deal this month.
Jan-Niklas Beste and his Benfica bother
Jan-Niklas Beste has struggled to stamp his authority since joining Benfica from FC Heidenheim in the summer transfer window. A native of Hamm, he began his youth career in his hometown but graduated from the youth division at Borussia Dortmund. However, the player had to bide his time before rising in prominence.
The spell with FC Heidenheim helped the 26-year-old find a stable footing, and he went from strength to strength at the Bundesliga club. However, he has been in and out of the starting lineup at Benfica. Beste has managed only 815 minutes of game time across 22 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with two goals and two assists.
However, the German winger’s stock in the market remains high, with several well-known clubs across Europe setting their sights on him. Bundesliga clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, RB Leipzig, and VfB Stuttgart are keen on signing the former Heidenheim star. However, Crystal Palace will aim to beat the competition to his signature.
London calling
Crystal Palace’s interest in Jan-Niklas Beste is understandable. While Oliver Glasner prefers the 3-4-2-1 formation, Beste can be a top-notch addition to the first-team squad at Selhurst Park. The former FC Heidenheim star can play anywhere across the left flank, making him a viable option to reinforce the left wing-back berth.
With Tyrell Malacia facing an uncertain future at the South London club, Beste can theoretically be his long-term replacement. However, convincing SL Benfica to part ways with the 26-year-old will be a tall order, with the Portuguese giants not interested in entertaining bids to sell him.
So, triggering the release clause worth €50 million might be the only avenue for suitors to land the German winger this month. However, it will be surprising to see Crystal Palace coughing up €50 million to sign Beste in the winter transfer windwo.
