Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign three players from crisis-struck Ligue 1 club Lyon next year, with 19-year-old full-back Sael Kumbedi the latest target.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Sael Kumbedi is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are scouring the market for multiple reinforcements, with the 19-year-old Lyon full-back emerging as a target. However, the South London outfit will also look to sign two other players from the crisis-struck Ligue 1 club, with Rayan Cherki and Ernest Nuamah being the other two targets.
Who is Sael Kumbedi?
Sael Kumbedi is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Stains, the Frenchman spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at three clubs and graduating from the youth division at Le Havre AC. However, he has become a household name since joining Lyon from Le Havre in August 2022.
The 19-year-old has filled Malo Gusto’s void at the crisis-struck Ligue 1 club, although he has yet to become an undisputed first-choice starter for Les Gones. Kumbedi has turned out nearly 50 times thus far for Lyon while chipping in with five assists.
Meanwhile, Kumbedi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. The French full-back has emerged as a target for Crystal Palace ahead of the January transfer window. However, the Eagles are also interested in signing two other Lyon players, with Rayan Cherki and Ernest Nuamah also on their radar.
London calling?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Sael Kumbedi is understandable. While Daniel Munoz has been superb thus far for the South London club, Oliver Glasner needs an alternative to the Colombian full-back. So, Kumbedi has emerged as a viable target for Crystal Palace.
While Kumbedi has struggled for game time this season, his stock in the market remains high. So, it will not be surprising to see Crystal Palace launching the offensive to sign the Frenchman and his Lyon teammates next month. With Les Gones in crisis after receiving provisional relegation from Ligue 1, they must balance the books next month.
However, Crystal Palace will face stiff competition from several high-profile clubs for Cherki. So, Kumbedi and Nuamah might be their only realistic targets, considering Cherki’s stock is soaring with every passing week.
