Opinion: 3 replacements Crystal Palace should target if defensive star leaves in a £55m move

Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka emerged as the surprise package of the 2018/19 season having been promoted to the senior side just last year in January.

The 21-year-old has attracted interest from many clubs in the Premier League and has been backed by many for a call-up to the England national team.

According to a report from the Daily Express, Manchester United have agreed terms with the Eagles for a transfer fee of £55m which will make the 21-year-old the most expensive full-back in the history of the English top-flight, a spot currently held by Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy.

Let’s look at the three potential replacements the Eagles must target in case Bissaka’s move to Old Trafford materialises in the current transfer window.

Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne came through the Palace ranks in his younger days and made senior appearances for the Eagles before climbing the ladder and eventually ending up at Liverpool.

However, the rise of Trent Alexander Arnold has slashed his game time at Anfield and his injury issues and inconsistent performances haven’t helped either.

Ultimately, the 28-year-old was loaned out to Bournemouth for the second half of the recently concluded campaign.

With Joe Gomez being versatile enough to play as a makeshift right-back and other talented youngsters such as Ki-Jana Hoever coming through the Merseyside ranks, Clyne remains poised for an Anfield exit in the current transfer window.

Cedric Soares

The Portuguese full-back who was shipped out to Serie A side Inter Milan on loan in the second half of the last season has fallen out of favour under the new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Soares found it difficult to settle at the Italian club and made just 4 appearances in 5 months in the Italian top flight.

The 27-year-old who still has many years left in him is likely to move elsewhere in search of playing time. With Premier League experience under his belt, he could replace Wan-Bissaka to become the new face in the Eagles defence line.

Ruben Aguilar

Saving the best for the last, Aguilar has been on Palace’s radar for some time now. The French fullback attracted interest with his consistent displays and balanced style of play in both offensive and defensive phases of the game.

His steady performances have already made him a regular in the Montpellier starting XI, where he featured in 30 appearances across all competitions. The 26-year-old also managed a goal and assisted 5 more in the top-flight in France.

The Eagles, however, could face stiff competition for the signature of the French full-back from fellow Premier League club in Everton who are looking for someone to challenge Seamus Coleman for the number one spot at Goodison Park.