The transfer speculation regarding the future of the young centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho seems to be a never-ending with the player having been linked with several teams for a move this summer. The latest addition to the list of suitors is said to be Crystal Palace who are to strengthen their side.
Club chairman Steve Parish had earlier clearly stated the dreams, goals and ambitions they have for the club and they are ready to fight for every challenge on the way. Post the signing of Frank de Boer as the manager of the Eagles, the club officials are now looking to add quality to the squad with the prodigious Nigerian.
The 20-year old had not so long ago signed a new contract with Sky Blues that is supposed to run till 2021 but the player’s lack of prime game time and Pep’s favouring of Gabriel Jesus as the first choice centre-forward are said to be the reasons for the African to change clubs.
Much aware of the youngster’s potential and prospects, it is believed that in the case of a probable transfer, the Man City officials would add a buy-back clause in any agreed deal.
With a very limited or rather constricted exposure to the limelight this past season there is hardly much to dig on the player’s attributes but nonetheless, let us see how good he was at the Etihad Stadium during his limited stint.
Player stats
The youngster made 28 appearances for the Premier League club last season out of which only 8 were first team starts handed to him by the gaffer.
Although he got limited time on the pitch, the player had dazzled and dribbled his way into getting himself 7 goals and 3 assists, most noteworthy of them being the goal and assist he provided at Old Trafford to beat their arch rivals 2-1 in the game.
The Nigerian International maintained a pass success rate of 77.1% and provided the team with 13 key passes last season.
The player’s exquisite finishing abilities complemented with his tremendous shooting range makes him a deadly player against any opposition.
No doubt he could be a stellar addition to any squad in the Premier League. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
With lightning pace, impeccable vision and quick dribbling feet, he would provide the Eagles with the added dose of lethality and potency they need alongside Benteke and Zaha to become a formidable top 10 side.
Both Zaha and Iheanacho could complement each other with their holding the ball and dribbling ability which would help Palace muster a lot more chances in front of goal than they had in the past season.
Certainly, a scintillating transfer, if it happens, Parish should go all out to make this a done-deal.
