Crystal Palace have earmarked Alex McCarthy and Daniel Iversen as potential replacements for Vicente Guaita
According to Daily Mail, Premier League side Crystal Palace are considering summer moves for Alex McCarthy and Daniel Iversen as potential replacements for “disenchanted” goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
This comes after manager Roy Hogdson revealed that Guaita is seeking a transfer away from Selhurst Park and is refusing to take to the field. This has necessitated the club to pursue a replacement as the 2023/24 season draws near.
Sam Johnstone’s arrival has seen the Spaniard fall down the pecking order and lose his spot as the first-choice shot-stopper. With Johnstone going nowhere, Guaita is pushing to leave the club as soon as possible.
It would bring to an end the 36-year-old’s five-year stay at Selhurst Park where he was a fan favourite. It would be an unceremonious exit for a player who won the Crystal Palace Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 2021. But then, life goes on and so too should Palace.
Southampton’s Alex McCarthy is a viable option given his experience at the senior level. The 33-year-old was on the bench for the Saints’ Championship opener last weekend and has proven himself in a pinch. A return to the top flight even if it is as a backup might prove tempting for the veteran who will be familiar with Selhurst Park, having donned the club’s colours in the 2015/16 campaign.
An able veteran, he had earlier attracted attention from Liverpool and Manchester United. Another player being looked at is Leicester star Daniel Iversen. The 26-year-old has been a bit-part player at the King Power Stadium, primarily playing if needed and largely spending time out on loan.
The chances of him getting the starting berth with the Foxes is unlikely, and a return to the top flight could prove tempting. It can be argued that Iversen trails McCarthy in terms of ability and experience as a shot-stopper. While neither player can be considered elite, Palace can rest assured knowing that they are unlikely to play much apart from the odd game or cup competitions.
At 36, Guaita needs replacing sooner or later and the quicker that happens, the better for Palace. The Spaniard certainly leaves an impression among the club faithful and his experience will be missed at the club. The Eagles fans will hope that whoever replaces him turns out to have a similar impact.
