Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson. (Getty Images)
Crystal Palace are in trouble with manager Roy Hodgson having just one fit goal-keeper to call upon. As unfortunate as it is, it’s 39-year-old Julian Speroni. The Argentine last played a Premier League game in December 2017 and since then, Speroni has warmed the bench on more than one occasion before the start of this season.
With Palace adding Vicente Guaita over the summer, to join the 39-year-old and Wayne Hennessey, things have gone from bad to worse for the Eagles. First Hennessey was ruled out and while news of his injury has been far and few, Guaita had to be replaced during the 2-1 defeat at Watford (via independent), Julian Speroni as their only fit keeper.
That’s why the Premier League side has been linked with a loan move for Sao Paulo star Lucas Perri, according to Sky Sports. The 21-year-old Brazilian has been Sao Paulo’s third choice goal-keeper much like Speroni. But with Crystal Palace in serious danger of letting the Argentine become the oldest to play in the Premier League, Perri is their best option.
The Brazilian, who has an Italian heritage, hasn’t been at his best for Sao Paulo but certainly has the ability to become an Eagles’ regular. While Sky Sports has revealed that the deal will be a short term one, with a £3 million option to make things permanent, it’s all up to Perri.
The 21-year-old has multiple appearances for the Brazil U20 side to his name, which clearly shows his quality as he played alongside Richarlison and even AC Milan star Lucas Paquetta.
Taller than most average footballers, Perri stands at 6foot 4inches which puts him at a great height to be a goalkeeper. However, it’s his reflexes and agility that Crystal Palace will need. Despite being so big, the 21-year-old still manages to get across the ground pretty quickly. Given that the Eagles face Tottenham Hotspur next, things could get complicated.
Speroni is not someone Palace faithful would want facing Spurs’ attackers. In fact, the North Londoners could make the most of Speroni’s lack of game time and given that Crystal Palace is in a relegation scrap, things could get worse without Lucas Perri.
