Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 24-year-old Dutch centre-back Ruben Kluivert from Ligue 1 club Lyon before the winter transfer window shuts down.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Ruben Kluivert is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back before the winter transfer window shuts down. So, the 24-year-old Lyon defender has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.
Talks between Crystal Palace and the Ligue 1 club have begun, and the 2024/25 FA Cup winners are working towards securing the Dutchman’s services in the coming hours. However, with the winter transfer window closing in less than seven hours, time is running out for the Premier League club.
Who is Ruben Kluivert?
Ruben Kluivert has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Lyon from Casa Pia last summer. A native of Amsterdam, the 24-year-old is the son of legendary former Dutch footballer Patrick Kluivert and the younger brother of Bournemouth playmaker Justin Kluivert. The player spent his formative years in the Netherlands and graduated from the youth division at FC Utrecht.
As for Kluivert’s stint with Lyon, the Dutch centre-back has made 18 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit thus far while chipping in with two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature before the winter transfer window shuts down.
London calling?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Ruben Kluivert is understandable. The Eagles have been combing the market for a centre-back since losing Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City last month. The English international has left a gaping hole in the Crystal Palace defensive unit, with Oliver Glasner down to his barebones in the backline.
So, it is hardly surprising that the 2024/25 FA Cup winners are keen on signing a centre-back, with Ethan Pinnock among the players on their wishlist. However, Kluivert has also emerged as a viable target for Crystal Palace, with the South London club beginning negotiations with Lyon over a late deal.
Crystal Palace will hope the talks with Lyon over a deal for Kluivert conclude successfully, as they have already failed with a bid to sign Joel Ordonez. It will be interesting to see if the 24-year-old Dutchman arrives at Selhurst Park in the coming hours.
