Yohan Cabaye has left Crystal Palace to join UAE Arabian Gulf League side Al Nasr on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old central midfielder was released by the Eagles following the end of his contract on 1st July.
The French international scored ten goals in 109 appearances for the Premier League club. In his three-year spell at Selhurst Park, the midfielder played a key role in helping the Eagles stay up in the top-flight for several consecutive seasons now.
Post his departure, manager Roy Hodgson must sign someone of similar quality to fulfil that role. Here are the three possible replacements Palace could stick an eye on.
Having already devoted a season on-loan to the Eagles, Loftus-Cheek shouldn’t mind a permanent move. The Englishman has already warned his parent club Chelsea about leaving if sufficient game time isn’t provided.
For that reason, Hodgson must take advantage of the situation and sign the 22-year-old midfielder once more. Loftus-Cheek would provide physicality along with great quality on the ball. Also, considering his age, he has the stamina required to perform what is expected of him for a longer period of time.
Wilshere has left Arsenal, meaning he is available for free. The 26-year-old is a quality midfielder with a great ability to make the ball talk. He would not only help Palace fill Cabaye’s void but his propensity to play several positions in the midfield will impact Palace’s game positively.
Having worked with Wilshere for the England team before, Hodgson will be quite aware of what he would bring to the team. Hence, due to the talented midfielder’s quality and creative effervescence, Palace must pursue him this summer.
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It might sound like a low-key replacement, but Ryan Woods has had a terrific season at Brentford. The 24-year-old is predominantly a defensive midfielder with an astute eye for key passes.
He possesses a fantastic quality of cutting out dangers and making precise passes to turn a defensive situation into a goal-threat. Hodgson never shies away from working with talented players from lower leagues and Woods will definitely benefit by moving to the top-flight next season.
