On hearing this weekend that both Gylfi Sigurdsson and Frazier Campbell are both set to snub Palace’s advances this summer, it was more of an irritant than a disappointment.
To be honest, this news could leave fans feeling somewhat disenchanted about both Palace’s apparent inability to get these ‘top’ players through the door. It could also lead many to presume that more genuine targets could well slip through the net this summer.
Missing out on these two is not the end of the world though.
Failed Crystal Palace Transfers
In the case of Sigurdsson, yes, he is a very good footballer. His arrival would have boosted Crystal Palace’s midfield by adding long range shooting, quality at set plays, genuine creativity, and most importantly – goals from the middle of the park.
Late last week, it was widely reported that Palace had had an offer accepted by Tottenham for Sigurdsson with only personal terms to be agreed. I think Palace fans felt genuine excitement at the prospect of this talent pulling on the red and blue stripes.
Unfortunately though, in this case, the waters have become somewhat muddied by Spurs’ trying to sign Swansea’s Ben Davies. Swansea’s desire to re-sign Sigurdsson would always be king in this particular transfer, and it cannot be argued that it makes perfect sense for all parties that these two players trade employers.
With Campbell, fans should be less concerned. Yes, he is a good striker, but he hasn’t exactly ever set the world on fire wherever he has played and any dealings between Palace and Cardiff are unlikely after the fall out of last season. Campbell didn’t make the grade at Manchester United or Tottenham. Like so many other English players, he is following the money and if Leicester City want to give him a more sizable personal terms, then quite frankly – good luck to them.
The concern should not be about whether or not these players want to come to Crystal Palace. We are still relatively early into this transfer window and as we all saw in January, Tony Pulis and the Palace board are capable of pulling off some decent moves, even if these deals go to the wire on the final day.
January of course saw that late flurry of business – Tom Ince, Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley and Scott Dann all signed up for the Eagles on the final day of the transfer window. All quality players, and Pulis’ delaying tactics proved decisive in these transfers. Yes, he gambled on their availability, but with certain players running down their contracts, any deal was a good deal for the selling club.
If the same happens this Summer, Palace fans should not worry. Major surgery on an overachieving squad is not necessary, and there is no way whatsoever the pitfalls and trauma that Ian Holloway inflicted on deadline day last year would ever be repeated. Steve Parish and company have learnt, and Pulis is not a man who panics.
Whilst I would love to see the club bring in a “marquee” signing, I appreciate that this is not easy. Although Ronaldinho will do! Whenever any player is linked to Palace, there always seems to be at least four or five other clubs linked to the same player, and they always seem to be the same crew. QPR and the media darling Harry Redknapp appear to have a monopoly on everything currently. Hull City and Leicester are the team’s other main competitors – it would appear.
Of course, some of these clubs will offer more wages, some won’t. Some will buckle and pay over the odds on transfers, others won’t. Palace though will play hardball, and won’t be held to ransom by any mercenary, or player looking for a quick buck. The football club and its’ financial health will always come first, and there will be no repeat of the mistakes of past regimes – CPFC 2010 have made that clear enough.
In this case – it’s a matter of patience, being in the right place at the right time. Palace are a London club, and being offered an opportunity to live in this wonderful city will always generate interests to players. Pulis is a brilliant manager, and as discussed above, has attracted some quality to the club before.
Palace will be more than fine, and with just under four weeks to go until the big kick off at Arsenal, fans should be feeling very confident about the club’s prospects ahead.
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