Crystal Palace have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Chris Richards over a transfer from Bayern Munich this summer.
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards over a transfer. The Eagles now need to negotiate a transfer fee with the German champions to complete the move.
Richards signed for the Bayern Munich youth setup in 2018 from MLS side Dallas FC and has made just ten senior appearances for the Bavarian giants. The 22-year-old has spent the last eighteen months away on loan at TSG Hoffenheim, where the defender made a solid impression, especially during the 2021/22 campaign.
Despite Richards’ progress, the USMNT star does not have a place in Bayern Munich’s squad, as they are set to sign Matthijs de Ligt to pair up with Lucas Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano in their defensive roster.
So, Richards has been angling for an exit from the Allianz Stadium and Crystal Palace have emerged as his main suitors in the market. The Eagles strengthened their defence last summer with the signings of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen, who have become permanent fixtures in Patrick Vieira’s side.
However, beyond the duo, Crystal Palace do not boast much quality as far as backup goes. James Tomkins is 33 years old and is in the final year of his contract. So, it makes sense for the Croydon-based outfit to bring in another centre-back to shore up their defensive options ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Richards, to that end, has emerged as one of Vieira and Palace’s top targets. And as per the update from Florian Plettenberg, the 22-year-old United States international has reached a verbal agreement with Crystal Palace over a transfer. It leaves the Eagles to negotiate a fee with Bayern Munich to complete the deal.
Richards still has three years left on his contract with Bayern Munich, which could lead to them demanding a significant fee for the 22-year-old. Whether Crystal Palace can strike an agreement with the German champions and get the transfer across the line remains to be seen.
Palace have already signed Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucoure and Malcolm Ebiowei this summer, and Richards can be a good addition to the project Vieira is building at Selhurst Park.