Why Filip Kostic would be a brilliant signing by Crystal Palace
According to Evening Standard, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt star Filip Kostic in the summer.
The report suggests that Kostic has come under the Eagles boss Roy Hodgson’s radar and the club wants to sign him as a replacement for Wilfried Zaha, who looks set to move away from the club at the of the campaign.
The London-based club have endured a mixed season so far. They were in the top half of the table for some time but a 7-game winless streak has hampered their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League. The 1-0 win over Newcastle United has put them in 13th position in the league standings.
They have been inconsistent throughout the season and with injuries to key players, the manager has to make sure they finish in a respectable position. However, Hodgson should bring reinforcements in the summer before the start of the next season.
One area that should be prioritized is the midfield. The Eagles have only three central midfielders in their ranks in James McArthur, James McCarthy and Jeffrey Schlupp. And Max Meyer is the only attacking midfielder.
McArthur and McCarthy are both reaching the twilight of their careers and the manager should bring in players to improve the depth in the squad. Schlupp is also injured and has featured in only 15 league games so far. Hence, the Eagles must go for Kostic in the upcoming transfer window.
The 27-year-old has been in sublime form for Frankfurt this season and has helped the club reach 10th position in the Bundesliga standings. He has scored 4 goals and provided 9 assists in 21 league games and is a key member under Adi Hutter.
The Serbian international has an experience of over 200 games in Germany spreading across clubs like Stuttgart, Hamburg SV, and Frankfurt. He has also been capped 32 times for his country and his experience could be handy for Palace.
Kostic has taken his game to the next level this season. He has scored against big clubs like Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and has also put in some match-winning performances.
Predominantly a left-midfielder, Kostic is capable of playing well on either wing. His versatility would be a boost for Hodgson, who can deploy Kostic in the place of Zaha if the Ivorian leaves in the summer.
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Verdict
The former Stuttgart man is currently in good form and Palace could enjoy his prime if they sign him. He has been delivering consistently for the German club and if he is able to reproduce the same form, the Eagles would benefit for sure.
Hence, Hodgson should make a prompt attempt and manage to lure the Serbian to Selhurst Park as early as this summer.
