Crystal Palace have had a rollercoaster ride so far this campaign in the Premier League. After a stuttering start, they resurrected themselves since the appointment of Roy Hodgson and engineered a series of productive outings. However, their recent run of form has been far from satisfactory and they have started to appear timorous in their displays once again.
The Eagles have mustered merely a couple of points from their last 4 league games and are now placed at the 15th spot in the English top flight table, with 27 points to their name from 27 fixtures. Worryingly, just a solitary point separates them from the relegation zone and it goes without saying Hodgson’s entourage need to step up the ante if they are desirous to avoid getting doomed at the end of the season.
Transfer Speculation
Crystal Palace are desperate to sign a goalkeeper as a back-up for Wayne Hennessey as Julian Speroni has sustained a knee injury and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months. Hodgson’s side have an agreement in place with Getafe to sign Vicente Guiata in the summer but the London based outfit definitely need a proper custodian to ensure that they secure their Premier League status next season.
As per one of the latest reports by Evening Standard, Palace are understood to be interested in signing Diego Cavalieri on a free transfer in order to solve their goalkeeping crisis. Cavalieri could make a move to the Selhurst Park for the remainder of the season as he is a free agent after leaving Fluminense. Palace have space left in their 25-man squad and signing the Brazilian goalie would make a lot of sense.
Fact File
Cavalieri emerged through the youth ranks of Palmeiras and was eventually promoted to their senior side. He was then signed by Liverpool and Hodgson knows the shot-stopper from their time together at the Anfield. He played in the cup fixtures as he was the cover for the then Liverpool’s first-choice custodian, Pepe Reina. After a couple of seasons with the Premier League outfit, he went to Cesena and then to Fluminense.
A Perfect Fit?
Cavalieri has 3 caps for Brazil and is someone who could bring depth and experience at the back. The 35-year-old is no stranger to English football. He is a proven entity and has volumes of experience under his belt. He would be a decent option as a cover and if Crystal Palace manage to churn out a deal, it would be a risk-free and low-cost signing.
