Crystal Palace retain Tiago Djalo move
Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old Portuguese defender Tiago Djalo from Juventus in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol, Tiago Djalo is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 25-year-old Juventus defender, on loan at FC Porto this season, has emerged as a target for the South London club.
Tiago Djalo and his struggles
Tiago Djalo has been scrambling to find a stable footing in his career in the last few years. A native of Amadora, the player spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at CD Metralhas and SF Damaiense before graduating from the youth divisions at Sporting CP and AC Milan.
However, the 25-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with LOSC Lille before Juventus signed him in January 2024. But Djalo could not establish a foothold at the Serie A club before FC Porto signed him on a season-long loan deal last summer.
That has not helped the Portuguese defender, as he did not even manage 1,500 minutes of game time across 17 appearances in all competitions. Djalo’s loan spell with FC Porto has ended, and he will return to Juventus. However, an adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards, with Crystal Palace among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Crystal Palace mulled over an audacious late move for Tiago Djalo in the winter transfer window before the deal failed to see the light of day. The continued interest makes sense, considering the South London club did not replace Trevoh Chalobah after he returned to Chelsea earlier this year.
In addition, Marc Guehi faces an uncertain future at Selhurst Park amid his links with several European bigwigs. So, Crystal Palace must sign a top-notch centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Djalo emerging as a viable target.
The report does not mention a price tag for Djalo, and it will be interesting to see how much Juventus will demand to part ways with the 25-year-old Portuguese defender. However, an adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards for the player.
Fabrizio Romano: Crystal Palace Now Want to Sign 6ft 4 Colossus for Glasner
Crystal Palace are showing interest in a summer move for Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The Eagles are aiming to sign a new centre-back after an injury-hit season at the back, and have reportedly identified the Portuguese international as one of the options in their three-name shortlist.
Djalo, who spent the season on loan at Porto, is expected to leave Juventus permanently this summer, just 12 months after arriving from Lille on a two-year deal.
The 6ft 4in defender made only one brief cameo in Serie A for the Bianconeri and registered 17 appearances during his loan spell at Porto this season.
Crystal Palace Eyeing Tiago Djalo
Considering three centre-back options
Romano, writing on X, revealed that Palace are currently considering Djalo among other defensive targets as they look to bring in a new central defender for Oliver Glasner this summer:
Palace could be forced into the market for several defensive reinforcements if they fail to keep hold of captain Marc Guehi, who has just over 12 months remaining on his contract.
The England international remains a target for several Premier League clubs, including Europa League winners Tottenham, and may be available for a cut-price fee.
Djalo, meanwhile, spent five seasons at Lille before joining Juventus last summer and helped the French club win the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21.
The ‘imposing’ 25-year-old won his first cap for Portugal last year, coming off the bench in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Croatia in November.
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