COMPLETED:

Nathan Ferguson - Defender - West Brom - Permanent - Fee TBC

Young defender Nathan Ferguson signed for the club as soon as his contract with West Bromwich Albion expired, and the two clubs are going to have to negotiate a fee for the player -- or leave it to a tribunal to decide. Palace attempted to sign the player in the January transfer window but, due to injury concerns and the player subsequently undergoing surgery, Palace held off. The highly-rated full-back is likely to challenge Joel Ward for the right-back role.  

EBERICHE EZE -- ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - QPR - £19M 

As one of QPR's most threatening players last season -- scoring 14 goals and creating a further 8 -- Eze is a player that, after many weeks of rumours, finally signed on the 31st of August. The midfielder's apparent value was £19m, although this may be linked to appearances. This was a signing the club have worked on for some time, with Palace showing interest in him in January. Eze is a player who tended to feature in more central positions for QPR -- rather than as an out-and-out striker -- and his impressive 45-minute debut for Palace in a friendly with Charlton on the 29th of August indicated that he would take up such a position for Palace, albeit on the left of a midfield four. 

IN RUMOURS:  

Alex Bass - Goalkeeper - Portsmouth - £5m

22-year-old goalkeeper Alex Bass became a regular in the Portsmouth first team towards the end of last season, and his impressive performances have peaked interest among bigger clubs. With Wayne Hennessey's contract coming to an end next season, it's likely that Palace will be looking towards signing a goalkeeper that can gain experience on loan, ready to challenge for the first team spot the following season. 

Armel Bella-Kotchap -- Defender -- VfL Bochum -- £5m

VfL Bochum have reportedly received a bid for highly-rated centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap, with the 18-year-old likely to be recruited in Palace's attempt to build a squad of young players capable of challenging for first-team appearances. Bella-Kotchap hasn't featured in a significant number of matches for his side, but the 6ft 3in defender has impressed when he has played. It's likely he would be sent out on loan once signed. 

Mattie Pollock - Defender - Grimsby Town -- £5m

Another young player looking at being recruited with a focus on building a young side, Pollock featured in 21 first team games for Grimsby Town last season. Were Palace to sign him it's likely that the player would then be sent out on loan to gain further experience. 

Flynn Downes - Midfielder - Ipswich Town - £6m

21-year-old midfielder Flynn Downes is another midfielder that Palace have been linked with for a while. The Ipswich Town player has already featured in 78 first team appearances in his young career, and has impressed throughout the last three seasons at Ipswich. While centre-mids might not be the most pressing position in which players are needed, it is also a position where age is likely to have the biggest impact. 

Connor Gallagher - Midfielder - Cheslea - Loan 

Crystal Palace are looking at the possibility of loaning Chelsea's young attacking midfielder who impressed in loan spells at Charlton Athletic and Swansea City. Gallagher plays in a box-to-box role, not too dissimilar from James McArthur, and youth is definitely something Palace are in need of in the centre of the pitch. If Palace do sign him, an ideal scenario would be to have a clause which allows the club to buy him at the end of a loan spell. 

Glen Kamara -- Midfielder -- Rangers -- £10m

This sounds like one of those agent-trying-to-get-player-noticed stories, but Finnish international Glen Kamara is apparently another player that Palace are looking at. A defensive midfielder by trade, Kamara signed for Rangers last summer for just £50,000 -- which makes you wince at the thought that Palace would be asked to pay £10m for him just a year later. Kamara played 19 games for Rangers last season and has started both of their games this season. He has also been linked with moves to Dynamo Kiev and Dinamo Moscow.  

Ismaila Sarr - Winger - Watford - £40m 

The emphasis for Palace this transfer window is to sign attacking players, and Watford's Ismailia Sarr is one such talent that would suit the club perfectly. Sarr had a good season despite his side's relegation, scoring 5 goals in 28 appearances. While the fee is significant, there appears to be a willingness from Palace to spend money on the right kind of targets. Sarr has attracted interest from Liverpool, too -- it will likely be a matter of the player determining whether he wants first-team football or not.  

Said Benrhama - Winger - Brentford - £20m 

Algerian winger Said Benrhama is another Brentford player who has impressed in the Championship, scoring 17 goals for the side that missed out on promotion in the play-offs. With pace to spare, impressive close ball control and an eye for a great strike, Benrhama is just the kind of player Palace fans would love to see at Selhurst Park.

Siriki Dembele - Winger - Peterborough - £5m

With 8 assists and four goals prior to the lockdown, Siriki Dembele is another young player Palace are reportedly considering. A versatile winger that can play on the left or right, he formed a strong partnership with Ivan Toney as Peterborough pushed for promotion. Reports suggest he might be an alternative target were the club not to agree terms with QPR for Eze. 

Ryan Fraser - Winger - Free Transfer

Ryan Fraser is the kind of first-team player the club should really be looking at. He's got Premier League experience, has impressed for Bournemouth in his time at the club, and has the kind of qualities the club needs. Fraser refused to sign a new contract with the Cherries after the lockdown, and his former manager Eddie Howe then opted not to play him for any of the remaining games he would have been eligible for. He has however been linked with a move to Tottenham, too.

Florinel Coman - Winger - FCSB - £15m

In one of the most surprising transfer rumours of this window, Palace were reported to have agreed a fee for Florinel Coman, a Romanian winger who plays for FCSB in Bucharest. Reports suggested that Coman's agent, Ioan Becali, was in London to negotiate terms for the player.  However, it appears there isn't any truth to the story and the result seems to have been a falling out between Ioan Becali and his cousin Gigi Becali, who happens to own FCSB. Coman has now been linked with Aston Villa, a story that is just as unlikely to be true.  

Rhian Brewster - Striker - Liverpool - Loan

Highly-rated Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster is reportedly a target of Palace as well as a number of other Premier League clubs. The 20-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool, but spent the latter half of the season on loan at Swansea City, scoring 10 goals in 20 appearances. It's unlikely that Liverpool would consider any kind of permanent agreement for the player, but his addition would give pace and guile to what has been a relatively toothless attack. 

 

Michy Batshuayi -- Striker -- Chelsea - £25m

Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi is unwanted at Chelsea and, given Palace's need for a striker and his successful loan spell last year, his signing would make sense. The roadblock that might stand in the way are his reported wages, which are in excess of £100,000 per week. 

Palace might be able to afford that were players to leave, but given the impact that wages have had on recruitment previously, it's unlikely they'd be willing to match what he currently earns. Batshuayi has also been linked with Leeds United, where he would link up with Marcello Bielsa who he worked for at Marseille.  

Odsonne Edouard -- Striker -- celtic -- £25m

French striker Odsonne Edouard has had a remarkable spell in Scotland, scoring 49 goals in 83 appearances for Celtic since moving to Glasgow in 2017. The former PSG striker, who spent time on loan at Tolouse as well, is a player in high demand with a fee of £25m mooted. While scoring for fun in Scotland doesn't guarantee he'll do the same in England, his signing would be a coup for the club. As it is, the player would need some convincing to swap Celtic Park and it's 60,000 fans for Selhurst Park and our 23,000. But...you get Premier League football! And that's all that anyone wants, right?! 

 

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Danny Welbeck - Striker - Watford - TBC

Injury-plagued striker Danny Welbeck is another player being linked with a move to Selhurst Park following the relegation of Watford. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has featured in just 26 games over the last two seasons, and despite looking a threat for Watford when he did feature, he scored just 2 league goals last season and a solitary league goal the season prior to that at Arsenal. If he can get over his injury issues there would be sense in such a move on a one-year contract, but with no guarantees of such a return to fitness, it wouldn't look like a sensible move, especially given the club's existing injury issues. 

 

 

OUT RUMOURS 

Mamadou Sakho - Lyon - £15m 

Reports suggest that Mamadou Sakho is keen to return to France, and that Champions League semi-finalists Lyon are ready to jump in with an offer. However, unless they win the competition, the French club are unlikely to feature in Europe next season (a return to which Sakho would prefer) and it therefor makes his move less likely. Palace have an option of a further year on his contract, which they might well take. 

Wilfried Zaha -- [CLUB GOES HERE] - £50m or more

We've put [CLUB GOES HERE] as it's difficult to keep track of which clubs Zaha's agent has linked him with. Arsenal seem to have been and gone, which is a shame for Zaha as it was apparently a dream move for him, with his family pleading for Palace to accept a cut-price deal last summer. 

He has now been linked with Borussia Dortmund -- whose transfer policy it is to avoid spending fortunes on players Zaha's age -- Paris Saint Germain, who have plenty of attacking options already, and Monaco, who disappointed last season but at least would be able to pay him tax-free. 

Sky Sports claim that Palace are willing to listen to acceptable offers, but given the Eagles turned down bids of £40m last season, it's unlikely that they'll listen to anything less than that this time round -- even after a disappointing last season. 

Alexander Sorloth -- Trabzonspor/RasenBallsport Leipzig -- £15m

Who knows what's going on with this transfer. Palace sent Sorloth to Trabzonspor on a two-season loan last summer. The deal allows the Turkish club to sign him once he's made more than 50% of the club's appearances in his second season there. The deal also allows Palace to cancel the loan agreement for an agreed fee. It also allows Sorloth to cancel the loan if he wishes to. 

Reports suggest he's already agreed terms with Champions League semi-finalists RB Leipzig, and that Palace are negotiating an agreement with the controversial German side to get Sorloth back so they can then sell him on, but Trabzonspor are reported to be unhappy with this. 

This sounds like Typical Palace to us, doesn't it?  

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James McCarthy - Celtic - £10M

 

Centre-mid James McCarthy took a while to get going in Palace's midfield but looked to be a very capable player when he did feature. Tenacious in the tackle and a decent passer of the ball, McCarthy also disproved some of the worries about his injury issues. The Ireland international who was born in Scotland has been linked with what would be a dream move to Celtic for him, and while it would be a shame to see him go, the likely arrival of Conor Gallagher would help to ease that disappointment. Celtic have to raise funds to sign the player though -- let's just call it a swap for Edouard, then? 

We have been deeply concerned by the stories we’ve read on social media about the impact of the season ticket scheme on fans. Fanzines shouldn’t only write about what is happening on the pitch, they also need to speak up when things adversely affect fans off the pitch too. We consider that the stories below, which are only a selection, demonstrate how unfair the current scheme is. We consider that the scheme should be rethought by Palace immediately. The club should recognise the deep unpopularity of the proposal and the adverse effect on fans as soon as possible. For the sake of all fan, including those below, Rethink It, Palace

Loyalty, but at what price?

Lynne and Paul Brameld have been season ticket holders for 35 years, but with Paul being diagnosed with blood cancer, the decision not to renew was already made. While Palace offered a break from being a carer to her husband prior to the pandemic, Lynne knows that because of the necessity to shield, it was the only decision she could take.

“I don’t mind paying a retainer, but I do think the £200 per season ticket is over the top. What if Paul’s cancer means I cancel his season ticket? What if people lose their jobs as the economy crashes?”

The club are advising fans who are taking the deferral option to be prepared to provide proof from a doctor to substantiate the need for shielding.

“Paul’s shielding letter includes his NHS number and consultant name — I feel it’s wrong to ask for personal information.”

As part of the club’s work in the community, Palace provided support to the Bramelds during the lockdown, as Paul is over 70.

“The support was amazing. But why would they turn on us now? If I get a phone call demanding proof, I’m ready for them.”

Vague policy heightens risk

Palace’s vague policy about shielding has lead to fans who might be subject to such a shielding recommendation questioning whether they would actually qualify for the deferral option.

Rich Le Gate has been a season ticket holder with his dad for 9 years, and is being challenged by the choices provided.

“My dad is in his 70's and I'm not overly keen on him going to games, but he doesn't think he can defer his seat because he has no medical condition,” says LeGate.

“We sit in the Arthur Wait which is organised really badly, I don't really want to trust Palace to look after us, they botch so many things!”

The entire issue has left Rich frustrated and disappointed.

“There is a fabric there between fans and CPFC the business, it's being torn at more and more with moments like this.

“I worry that cleansing moments like this basically create a disconnect between the club and any sort of identity it's had. Consequently, the club ends up being a cover version of itself, trying to display all the previous characteristics of Palace, but in a faux, plastic way.”

Jane Vigus has been a season ticket holder for 22 years and a fan since 1968. The lack of clarity around the deferral option has caused confusion for her, too.

“I’m probably what you’d call covid-hyper alert. I’m over 65 and COVID is not something I want to catch! I already live with 2 school-aged kids - is an occasional visit to Selhurst an extra risk too far? Especially as winter unfolds?”

Like many other fans, Jane has sent a number of emails requesting information on how the club will manage fans within the stadium. She hasn’t yet had a response.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have this info — especially regarding covid safety — prior to effectively lending the club a large chunk of money for a small amount of product over the season.” 

“I suspect, in the end, I will end up renewing and hope, if I don't feel safe after I’ve tried a game or two, the club can resell and refund my seat for the duration.”

Jimmy Smith has been a season ticket holder for the past seven seasons. With his partner’s pregnancy, he would like to defer his season ticket — despite the cost still being prohibitive. But he’s not sure he would qualify under the shielding stipulation. 

“The thought of making her sick, or even having to miss the birth if I pick up the virus, scares me,” he says. 

“But I have no idea if that is an acceptable reason and neither is there any guidance.”

That lack of clarity is also an issue when it comes to what happens should Palace determine his reason not to be acceptable.

“One thing is for sure and that’s that I cannot afford to lose the £200 and there is no further information from the club about what happens if they deem my reason not worthy.

“I don’t want to pay the full renewal fee. It leaves a bitter taste. I will be sad to let my season ticket go, but not at the expense of supporters being treated badly by the club.”

New Instalment Plan Causes Financial Headache

After years of working on the basis of allowing fans to pay for season tickets by direct debit, this season sees Palace requiring fans to go through V12 Retail Finance to pay by installment.

The season ticket purchase page does not mention that the new payment plan  requires season ticket holders taking that option to submit to a credit check.

The club’s season ticket payment options page, which appears to have text that should link to V12 Retail Finance’s Terms and Conditions, does not have clickable links. Only when you get to the completion page of the process are you made aware that there is likely to be a credit check performed.

That lack of clarity and the resultant credit check has caused Brad Campagnac, a season ticket holder for the past 47 years, to decide not to renew his season ticket following what he feels was a misleading process.

“I did not know they would do a credit check,” says Brad, who has been working on repairing his credit history following problems in the past. “No doubt this has put a mark on my score.”

“I’ve been travelling from Norwich for the past season and a half. And after 47 years it looks like it’s finally over. It’s a very bad way to treat us.”

Chris Chapman is another fan that opted to go with the installment plan to pay for his and his daughter’s season ticket — only to find that V12 Retail Finance declined his application on the grounds of his credit — despite not having any credit concerns.

“After 26 years I’m going to have to pass and hope I can go next season. I was declined despite never having issues so I’m going to have to check that.”

The result is that a season ticket he was able to pay for over the course of a season previously becomes a significant, immediate burden. 

“It was £750 for two season tickets — how can I justify that on a ‘maybe’?

“I’m so disappointed in the club, especially when I see what other clubs such as Fulham are proposing for their season tickets. Even Arsenal’s option is better than ours!”

Both Fulham and Arsenal are offering cost-free deferrals and ticket plans that don’t require payment of a full season ticket price. 

Palace Family Divided by Payment Change

For long-term season ticket holder Scott Kingsworth, being declined for credit after 7 years of uninterrupted payments to the club has meant that he is faced with an unenviable choice to make.

Scott moved to Berlin two years ago and travels back for every home game to attend matches with his son. 

“As upset as he was, one thing that kept him going was the fact that we still had our season tickets and we would always have that day out together — no matter how far I had to travel to fly in, pick him up from his mum's and get to Selhurst for kick off and we had no plans to change this.

“Unfortunately, I have been declined finance probably due to the fact that my main income is not from the UK anymore.

“I have 2 choices, pay for the season tickets upfront and not have the money this month to pay for flights to get back to see my son, or to let the season ticket go and possibly spend time with my son at a smaller more fan friendly club, which I never thought I would have to do.”

Palace epitomised what a family club stood for, especially with regards to his son. 

“He loves Palace so much because he could go to his friends at school and show them all the pictures of him meeting every single player and even getting to play on the Selhurst pitch. 

“The club I loved literally showed me how much of a community club it was and how it was showing my son some of the most friendliest memorable moments of his young life.”

Fellow Palace fan Andy Ferrer has been a season ticket holder for the past five seasons, attending games with his wife and their two kids. 

Palace’s direct debit payment meant that football was accessible. 

“Our credit isn’t great due to a few disasters but having the release as a family to go and watch Premier League football is always a release, win lose or draw. 

“We have not missed any season ticket payments having paid monthly for the previous 5 seasons, and always understood if payments were missed we would not be able to attend.”

The change in how the club takes instalments, especially in light of the economic downturn and the impact it has had on personal finances, has left Andy with one conclusion. 

“This says to me we are turning the working class supporter away because they are not the best financially. 

“I will not be renewing or saving for the following season, I will follow the team and will hopefully look to go again once the new stand is built.” 

We ask that Palace reconsider the options made available to supporters, providing options that are accessible, considerate and fair. 

There is still time to make such changes. Share this article on social media with the club if you also think Palace should Rethink It.