Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 21-year-old French defensive prospect Cheick Keita from R Charleroi SC in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Africa Foot, Cheick Keita is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Marc Guehi’s long-term future. So, the R Charleroi SC defensive prospect has emerged as a target for the South London club.
Who is Cheick Keita?
Cheick Keita has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Jupiler Pro League since joining R Charleroi SC from Stade Reims last summer. A native of Champigny-sur-Marne, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his homeland, starting his youth career at FC Saint-Leu 95 before graduating from the academy at Stade Reims.
The 21-year-old has found a stable footing at R Charleroi SC, even though he has not been the undisputed first-choice centre-back for the Belgian club. Keita has turned out 15 times thus far for the Jupiler Pro League outfit, although his game time has reduced in the last few weeks.
Meanwhile, the French defensive prospect’s progress at R Charleroi SC has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. The latest update by Africa Foot has linked the youngster with Marseille, Stade Brestois, RC Lens and Clermont Foot. However, Crystal Palace will aim to beat the competition to his signature in the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Cheick Keita makes sense. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Marc Guehi’s long-term future. The English international is a target for several Premier League bigwigs, and he will likely leave Crystal Palace in the coming months.
So, several candidates, including Maxime Esteve, have emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with Keita also a viable target for the South London club. The report has claimed that the Eagles have positioned themselves to land the 21-year-old Frenchman in the summer transfer window.
However, with several Ligue 1 clubs also vying for Keita’s signature, it will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace can beat the competition to the signature of the French defensive prospect in the summer transfer window.
