Crystal Palace completed a chaotic transfer deadline day by securing Jørgen Strand Larsen for a club-record fee while Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to Milan collapsed following medical concerns over a knee injury. According to Theguardian.com.
Palace’s £90m January spree culminates in dramatic deadline day chaos
Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of Norway striker Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves for an initial £43m plus £5m in bonuses just before Monday’s 7pm deadline. The deal represents Palace’s second transfer record of the month, following Brennan Johnson’s £35m arrival from Tottenham, taking their January spending beyond £90m.
Jean-Philippe Mateta will be reintegrated into Palace’s squad after his deadline-day move to Milan dramatically collapsed. The France striker’s transfer fell through after a second medical examination by the Italian club revealed concerns over a knee injury that has been managed carefully by Palace this season.
Manager Oliver Glasner had left Mateta out of Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest, stating he was “not at his best” due to uncertainty about his future. The striker now faces a challenge to win back supporters who booed him off after his last appearance against Chelsea two weeks ago, while competing with new arrival Strand Larsen for a starting position.
Palace’s late attempts to strengthen further proved unsuccessful, with a surprise loan bid for Everton’s Dwight McNeil failing despite submitting a deal sheet before the deadline. The proposed loan with an obligation to buy for £20m could not be completed, while Chelsea rejected a loan offer for Josh Acheampong.
Following Palace’s draw against Forest that extended their winless run to 12 games in all competitions, Glasner criticised the club’s transfer approach. “I would prefer not always talking the day before the deadline,” said the manager, who has already announced he will leave in the summer, expressing concerns about integrating multiple new players simultaneously.
