Palace turn to Man United winger to replace departing Bolasie
Published:
Crystal Palace will turn to Manchester United’s Ashley Young as the man to replace Yannick Bolasie, following the winger’s imminent big-money move to Everton this week.
That’s the vibe emerging this week in the crazy Premier League merry-go-round, with the Merseysiders quickly spending a sizeable chunk of their John Stones windfall on Bolasie, with reports stating the deal may hit the £30m mark.
It was too good a deal for Palace and boss Alan Pardew to turn down, but with the new Premier League season just days away, it’s left the Eagles lacking some spark on the wing.
Further hampering the Selhurst Park outfit’s options is the lack of time remaining in the transfer window itself, which is why many are linking the Londoners with a quick and cheap move for United’s Young.
The former Watford and Aston Villa winger was a regular name under Louis van Gaal albeit sometimes in defence, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s arrival this summer pretty much spells the end of the Englishman’s time as a winger at Old Trafford.
At 31 there should still be some legs left in him yet, and when on form, Young is capable of some deadly deliveries.
In contrast to Bolasie’s dazzling trickery down the wing, Young represents a more traditional option, but his arrival could bring benefits two-fold.
Young’s style of play and crossing ability would unquestionably delight another Palace target – Christian Benteke.
The big Belgian thrives on the sort of balls Young is renowned for, and should Palace finally land the number one player on their wishlist, the combination could be mightily effective.
Since joining United in 2011, Young has produced 28 Premier League assists, in addition to bagging 10 goals.
Given that he’s never featured more than 28 times in a season, and became increasingly used as a right-back in those latter years, that’s a non-too-shabby return.
Palace will be aware of his fitness record, but Young – when fit and on form – could be the perfect foil for Benteke this season.
Even if the Eagles don’t snap up the Liverpool man this summer, Young still has the ability to help fill that Bolasie-shaped hope at Selhurst.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing..
