Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of right-back Nathaniel Clyne, with the 29-year-old returning to the club on a short-term deal.
Clyne had been training with the Eagles following his release by Liverpool earlier this year.
Crystal Palace Sign Nathaniel Clyne
Returning to Where it All Began
The move marks a return to where it all began for the England international.
Clyne came through the academy at Selhurst Park, making his first-team debut during the 2008/09 season under Neil Warnock.
Despite his age – he was only 18 when he made his debut – the now-29-year-old adapted quickly to the demands of the Championship. He made 29 appearances in all competitions, sharing the starting spot with Palace legend Danny Butterfield.
Clyne will always be remembered for being part of the side who helped the South London side stay up and avoid administration in sensational circumstances during the 2009/10 season. Although he was an unused substitute on that sensational afternoon at Hillsborough, the 29-year-old will always be remembered as a Hillsborough Hero.
After continuing to blossom with the Eagles for a further two years, Clyne eventually left in the summer of 2012. He joined Southampton in a fee believed to be in the region of £2.5 million.
The 29-year-old made 137 appearances in total during his first stint with Palace, scoring just once.
Why is He Returning?
Clyne has been training with Roy Hodgson’s side for the last month in order to regain fitness. He has struggled for minutes since the 2018/19 season, when he was loaned out to Bournemouth midway through the campaign.
However, Palace need cover at right-back. Summer signing Nathan Ferguson’s knee injury is expected to keep him out for longer than first thought, meaning Hodgson needs cover.
As a result, the short-term contract offered to Clyne could signify the length of time that Ferguson is likely to be out for.
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