Crystal Palace will compete with three other clubs in the race to sign 17-year-old Irish centre-back Vinnie Leonard from Dundalk FC in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Vinnie Leonard is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a young centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 17-year-old Dundalk FC wonderkid has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.
However, Crystal Palace will not be alone in the battle for Leonard’s signature, as Brighton & Hove Albion, Celtic, and Norwich City are also vying for his services this month. All four clubs have registered their interest in the teenage prospect, and they want to land him in the ongoing transfer window.
Who is Vinnie Leonard?
Vinnie Leonard is the latest promising prodigy to rise in prominence. The teenage defensive sensation has spent his formative years thus far in Ireland, and he has already broken into the first-team squad at Dundalk FC, making nearly 50 appearances thus far while chipping in with three goals and two assists.
The 17-year-old currently represents his national side at the under-18 level, and a call-up to the senior team may not be too far. Meanwhile, Leonard’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for the Irish defender’s signature in the winter transfer window.
London calling?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Vinnie Leonard is understandable. The Eagles have prided themselves on identifying top-class prospects by being ahead of the curve, with Adam Wharton one of the shining examples of that outlook. The defensive unit has also witnessed the rise of Marc Guehi, with the English international becoming one of the world’s most sought-after centre-backs.
Meanwhile, Guehi’s uncertain future at Selhurst Park has compelled Crystal Palace to scour the market for a centre-back. Several candidates, including Yann Bisseck, have thus emerged on the South London club’s wishlist, with Leonard also a viable target.
The 17-year-old Irish defensive sensation can become a long-term solution for Crystal Palace, like Guehi did when he arrived from Chelsea. However, the Eagles face stiff competition from Celtic, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Norwich City for Leonard’s signature. All four clubs have also registered their interest in the teenage prospect, and a deal in the winter transfer window may be on the cards.