Why Crystal palace should not lose Patrick van Aanholt in January

According to MSN, Crystal Palace could lose Patrick van Aanholt to Ajax on a pre-contract agreement in January. The defender’s contract runs out at the end of this season, which means he is free to talk to clubs in January regarding a free transfer in the summer. Palace have been trying to tie him down to a new contract but the player has been stalling on it.

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Once on the books of Chelsea, Van Aanholt, 30, spent several seasons on loan during his time at Chelsea before making the jump to Sunderland in the summer of 2014. He impressed in his two-and-a-half seasons with the Black Cats, making 95 appearances before moving to Crystal Palace in January 2017.

Since his move to Selhurst Park, the Dutchman has been the first-choice left-back for the Eagles and has been consistent over the last few years. Despite Palace not performing at their best, Van Aanholt has been reliable at the back.

Crystal Palace should try to keep hold of Van Aanholt

Quite how Crystal Palace have let Van Aanholt run down his contract till the final year when they have no cover for him is puzzling. Tyrick Mitchell, who has been recently promoted to the senior team, is the other option in the squad who can play at left-back.

More than anything, the former Chelsea man has been a consistent member at the back for the Eagles despite the club having a poor run of form. He has made over 350 career appearances, with most of them coming in English football.

The Dutchman is one of the most valuable and important members of the Palace squad. Without him, they lack a decent left-back who can contribute to their attack as well. He has chipped in with important goals and assists for the club during his time as Selhurst Park.

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Without adequate cover, Palace cannot afford to lose a player of Van Aanholt’s caliber. They haven’t made efforts to sign anyone yet. As January approaches, they can be left short-staffed. It is imperative that they focus all their efforts on his new contract and give him favorable terms.

The current economic climate in football won’t allow them to sign a player of similar quality for cheap. They absolutely cannot afford to let him go, let alone on a free transfer.