Crystal Palace are reportedly plotting a summer move for 26-year-old Almeria defender Srdan Babic.
According to AS, Premier League side Crystal Palace are keen on making a summer move for talented Serbian defender Srdan Babic, who continues to make a name for himself in Spain.
The 26-year-old came through the ranks at Vojvodina, eventually going on to represent Real Sociedad and Red Star Belgarde, among others. He joined the newly-promoted La Liga club, Almeria, on loan for the 2021/22 campaign before making the arrangement permanent earlier this month.
Babic could be on the move once again should Crystal Palace make a concrete attempt to secure his services. Almeria paid €1 million for the 26-year-old Serbian defender’s services earlier this month and are keen to receive around €10 million to sanction a sale. Achieving it will prove to be a neat piece of business for the Spanish minnows.
A centre-back, Babic made 43 appearances in the Spanish second division last season. He was one of the standout performers as Almeria won the championship, gaining promotion to La Liga in the process. A late bloomer, Babic’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs keeping tabs on his performances.
Crystal Palace have a pioneer of a manager in Patrick Vieira and have shown ambition of late. They are building a solid young squad under the Frenchman’s guidance and could soon add Babic to their roster.
The Eagles signed Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi last summer, and both players have shown off their quality at times. However, there appears to be a lack of strength in depth in the centre-back spot. James Tomkins is 33 and is not getting any younger, while Nathan Ferguson is still learning his trade at 21. In addition, Guehi recently emerged on Tottenham’s radar over a summer move.
Bringing in another experienced centre-back this summer will hand Vieira an alternative to bring on if needed. Experience will prove decisive in a league as competitive as the English top-flight, and Babic certainly has the potential to be a shrewd acquisition.
Adept in the modern game, the 26-year-old is not just good at bringing the ball out from the back but is also a force to be reckoned with in the air. Babic can not just add cover in defence but also prove to be a threat on set-pieces at the other end.
Crystal Palace will, however, have to face competition from Getafe and Celta Vigo. The Eagles are putting together a strong project and can offer the Serbian defender a better shot at glory. Time will tell whether he will be game to take his talents to London.
