The Future of Max Meyer at Crystal Palace Is Becoming Increasingly Unclear

The Future of Max Meyer at Crystal Palace Remains Unclear

Never Lived up to Expectation

The German international joined the Eagles from Schalke in 2018 on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal. Having been given the tagline of a ‘wonderkid’ in his youth, his arrival was hotly anticipated and met with much excitement.

However, the 24-year-old has never lived up to the expectation surrounding his signing. So far during his 18-month tenure at the club, he has just two goals and two assists. Almost half of his total appearances have come from the bench, showing that he is still to make an impression on Roy Hodgson and justify his place in the Palace bosses’ side.

Part of the problem for the German is that he does not suit Hodgson’s conservative style of play. The former England manager tends to use three defensive midfielders, setting up to ensure that his side maintains their shape in defence. If there is no way in for him in the centre of midfield, then he is thrown out wide, where he is largely ineffective. Ineffective enough for fans to question his status at Selhurst Park.

However, Meyer still believes that his future lies with Palace. Speaking to Sport1 (via the Evening Standard) about a potential exit, he said: “Everything changes in football every day, but I’m totally solid in the club, and I’m also well received by the fans and the team.

“Of course, I haven’t played every game, but I’m an important part of the club. If that were not the case, those responsible would have said long ago that I should go.”

Max Meyer Can Still Be an Important Figure for Crystal Palace in the Future

Due to his age, the German can play an important role in future seasons at the club. That future is likely to be without the current manager in charge.

When signing his new one-year deal, Hodgson was given reassurances over how the club will deal with transfers. According to Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard, the Eagles will target players below the age of 24 in the summer transfer window. This plan is in a bid to combat their squad’s average age, which is one of the highest in the Premier League.

Meyer is still just 24 years old and yet to reach his prime. As a result, Palace may look to keep the German at the club, even if he is not favoured by Hodgson at present.