Crystal Palace are dealing with the loss of both Daichi Kamada and Maxence Lacroix
Crystal Palace’s summer transfer window is starting to make a few changes as Pierre Sage prepares for his first full season in charge at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are facing growing interest from many members of the club after former manager Oliver Glasner guided Palace to their first ever European Cup.
One player who is attracting a lot of attention is linebacker Maxence Lacroix.
The French defender has emerged as a target for Chelsea as the Blues continue to evaluate defensive additions ahead of the new season.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea have opened talks as they explore the possibility of striking a deal for the Wolfsburg defender.
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Lacroix quickly established himself as an important figure after moving to south London.
His performances at the heart of Palace’s defense have helped attract interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, but Chelsea are understood to be leading the pack as they look to strengthen Xabi Alonso’s defence.
Any move, which would give the Eagles a transfer fee of £50m, would still leave Palace with a big decision to make.
Sage himself wants Crystal Palace to re-sign the former player, he is keen to join
It would be an amazing move.
The defender remains one of the most important members of the team Sage inherited, and Palace will be hoping to retain their core team as much as possible despite growing transfer interest.
Lacroix is not the only Palace player to attract fans, however, with Adam Wharton also subject to interest from Premier League rivals.
Questions also surrounded Daichi Kamada’s future.
The Japan World Cup star remains a key figure at Selhurst Park, and enjoyed a fine campaign under Glasner last term, making 46 appearances in all competitions and bagging four assists en route to the Conference League final.
His ability to work in multiple attacking and midfield roles has made him a valuable option in the Palace squad.
The club have recently confirmed to their reserve team that a new contract has been offered to the 28-year-old, and it shows Palace’s desire to secure his long-term future.
However, interest from Spain has now emerged.
Real Sociedad open talks with Daichi Kamada as Crystal Palace threaten
According to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, Real Sociedad have opened negotiations with Kamada’s representatives.
The La Liga club is reportedly looking into the possibility of bringing the Japanese player to Spain, and his report says that contact has already taken place as Sociedad is evaluating potential candidates ahead of next season.
Kamada’s contract situation has naturally increased attention to his future.
With his current deal coming to an end as things stand, clubs across Europe are starting to monitor what’s going on.
Real Sociedad are understood to be among the clubs showing the strongest interest.
The Spanish club are looking to strengthen their squad and see Kamada as a player who can add experience and flexibility.
Despite that interest, Palace has already made its stance clear.
The offer of a new contract underlines the club’s determination to keep Kamada, and any talks over new terms are likely to be closely watched in the coming days.
What Oliver Glasner said about Daichi Kamada’s importance to the palace
Although Sage is now leading Palace into a new era, Kamada’s importance to the club as a ‘game player’ was previously highlighted by former manager Glasner.
Speaking ahead of last season’s UEFA Conference League final, Glasner praised the midfielder’s ability to make big plays.
“Daichi seems to be a big game player. Usually the bigger the game, the better his performance,” said Glasner.
“I know him now, we have worked together for four years now, two years in Frankfurt and it was the final of the Europa League and he played very well, he also scored a penalty.
“When we were playing Champions League football, we had to win against Sporting Lisbon, he scored a goal 2-1, a penalty when we won and entered the last 16 stage of the Champions League.
“He played well in the FA Cup final so it seems the bigger games get the better of him Daichi, and hopefully he’ll prove me right tomorrow.”
Those comments underline why Palace moved to offer the midfielder a new deal.
However, with Sociedad now making contact and building interest in his situation, Kamada’s future is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points right now.
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He was in a special situation.
