Why Crystal Palace should revive their interest in Bouna Sarr

Back in April, Buzz Sport (h/t Liverpool Echo) claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in signing Marseille star Bouna Sarr to bolster their backline.

The report also claimed that the Frenchman, who is highly-rated by former Chelsea boss Andre Villa-Boas, could be available for just £9m. However, they would face competition to secure his services as Everton have also registered an interest in Sarr.

Profile

Born in France, Sarr started his journey with FC Gerland and Lyon before joining Metz’s youth system. Since making his debut for Metz in the 2011/12 campaign, Sarr featured in 104 games for the club before moving to Marseille in the summer of 2015.

Since then, he has firmly established himself as a key figure of the squad and also helped his side reach the Europa League finals in the 2017/18 campaign. The Frenchman has been consistent for Marseille over the last few years.

He was also instrumental in helping his side finish in the second position in the league standings last season and qualify for the Champions League.

Sarr could provide depth on the right side of the pitch for Palace

At the moment, three right-backs are available at Roy Hodgson’s disposal. Joel Ward was a regular starter last season as he made 29 league appearances. And Martin Kelly was the only other option, who made 19 appearances until Nathan Ferguson was signed last month from West Brom.

However, it is necessary for the Eagles to bring in a right-back this summer. Ward and Kelly are both 30 and reaching the twilight of their careers. Moreover, they have just one more year left on their contracts and could depart next summer. And Ferguson is just 19 and too young to be depended upon throughout the campaign.

Thus, making a move for Sarr, who has two years remaining on his contract with the French outfit, could be a smart decision by the club. The Frenchman has been consistent and reliable in the last few years. He racked up 1 goal and 3 assists in 27 games last season and could be a crucial player for Palace next season if he is able to continue with the same form.

His inclusion could add depth to various positions in Hodgson’s squad as he is capable of operating from anywhere on the right side of the pitch. His versatility would be a massive boost to the manager and he would also bring healthy competition.

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Verdict

With Ward and Kelly ageing, it is clear that the Eagles are in need of right-backs to bolster their backline. And Sarr, who has enough experience, could provide them with some much-needed quality. Thus, reigniting their interest in the Frenchman would be a wise decision by Palace.