Jean-Claude Billong was brilliant for Salernitana last season (Getty Images)
According to The Guardian, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Benevento star Jean-Claude Billong, who is currently on loan with Salernitana, this summer.
The report suggests that the Eagles are set to face competition to secure his services from several English teams. Clubs like West Ham, West Brom, Norwich City, and Watford are also keen on signing the 26-year-old Frenchman.
Born in France, Billong came through the ranks of US Creteil’s youth system and moved to New York Red Bulls. From there, he went on to play for several clubs in Portugal and Slovenia before joining Serie B side Benevento in January 2018.
However, he made just 19 appearances for the Italian outfit before moving once again on different loan spells. After completing a six-month loan spell with Foggia, he joined Salernitana last summer on a two-year loan spell. Though he struggled with injuries, he managed to feature on a regular basis towards the end of the last campaign.
Roy Hodgson’s side were one of the weakest team since the restart last season. They lost seven of their last 9 games and one of the major reasons for their poor campaign was the lack of stability in their defence. They conceded 50 goals in 38 league games last term which is poor according to the standard of the Premier League and if they want to finish in the top half of the league standings.
At the moment, the Eagles have five main central defenders – Gary Cahill. Mamadou Sakho, James Tomkins, Scott Dann and Jairo Riedewald. Among those, four are aged 30 or more, while young Riedewald was hardly a regular under Roy Hodgson. Thus, bringing in a new centre-back would be a smart move for the club.
In that regard, Billong would be a suitable option for the club. The Frenchman was at his best in the latter stages of the 2019/20 campaign and can be a useful addition to Hodgson’s squad next season.
Billong’s inclusion would definitely provide them with some much-needed depth, whilst also bringing in healthy competition to the squad. And if he is able to continue with the fine form, he could integrate himself into the starting XI ahead of the old guards in the squad.
With four of their key defenders ageing, it is clear that the Eagles are in dire need of centre-backs to strengthen their backline next season. And Billong can come in handy for the manager. Thus, Palace should attempt to lure the Frenchman to Selhurst Park this summer.
