Crystal Palace are showing an interest in signing Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, as reported by The Express.
They enquired about signing the Belgian during the January transfer window, but were quoted £45m by the Premier League high-flyers.
Batshuayi has been a sporadic figure at Stamford Bridge, making just five starts and 19 substitute appearances across the campaign this term, scoring six goals, and may be allowed to leave, especially as he will only have one year left on his contract by the time the summer comes around.
With this in mind, FFC writers have given their verdict about whether the Eagles should make the move for the Belgian.
Viji Jeevathayalan
“Having struck six times in 13 games during his initial period at Selhurst Park, Batshuayi will know all about playing for Crystal Palace. And more importantly, Roy Hodgson will know first-hand what he can bring to the table. Effectively, it takes away some of the risk value with making a big-money move for him, as the Eagles have already seen what he can do for them.
“Giving him a consistent run in the first-team week-in and week-out can bring the best out of Batshuayi – just look at his record at Marseille where he scored 33 goals in 78 games. All he needs is an opportunity, and for a manager to place his trust in him. Hodgson has shown him before that he could be that man for him. Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman must not hesitate in attempting to lure the Belgian back to Selhurst Park.”
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Lewis Blain
“Just how many more chances is Batshuayi going to get in the Premier League? He may have had a successful period at Palace last year, but he’s clearly failed to act upon that and stake a claim under Frank Lampard for Chelsea. The striker position was there for the taking in the summer, and when he’s been given an opportunity to prove his credentials, he has failed his manager.
“Per Transfermarkt, the Belgian has bagged just one goal in the top-flight and that came back in October. There’s nothing to suggest that he’d come back to Selhurst Park and pick up where he left off. Steve Parish would be making a grave mistake in signing the 26-year-old. Talk about cats having nine lives – Batshuayi is just not up to the physical standard that the PL demands.”
Did he really play for us?! No Palace fan has managed to name all of these obscure Eagles signings….
Billy Meyers
“I think Crystal Palace should try to avoid a romantic reunion with Michy Batshuayi. For all the good work that he did while on loan at Selhurst Park – he scored five goals in nine Premier League starts, and also netted in the FA Cup quarter-finals – he quite simply isn’t what the Eagles need right now.
“Roy Hodgson has an ageing Crystal Palace squad on his hands right now, and younger players than 26-year-old Batshuayi need to be targeted. While that may not seem too old, the Eagles have only handed Premier League appearances to three players under the age of 26 this term – Brandon Pierrick, Jairo Riedewald and Max Meyer.
“The squad is only going to get older, so the money that would be spent on the Belgium international must instead be invested in an overhaul – players such as 33-year-old Vicente Guaita, 34-year-old Gary Cahill and 30-year-old Joel Ward must be handed youthful competition this summer.
“In that respect, as good a finisher as Batshuayi is, Palace need to move on.”
Danny Lewis
“Only Norwich City and Newcastle United have scored fewer Premier League goals than Palace this season, so they could use someone who is prolific in the opposition box. He may not have had many games, but Batshuayi has shown how effective he can be, scoring the winner against Ajax in the Champions League, as well as the opener in a 2-1 FA Cup win against Hull City.
“Therefore, Palace should definitely be making a move for the Belgian, especially if the quoted price from January is reduced by Chelsea.”
Meanwhile, Palace fans are demanding one player is used by their national team.
