Premier League Crystal Palace are looking to replace Eberechi Eze before next week’s deadline, and have struck a £30 million deal with a La Liga side for an exciting attacker.
Eze was sold for £60 million by Palace last week as the 27 year old completed a move to London rivals, Arsenal. Originally, Tottenham Hotspurs had agreed a deal for Eze. However, Arsenal hijacked the move, with Eze’s heart always set on the Gunners.
As a result, Palace have been in the market for a replacement, and they seem to have found one for half of the price they sold Eze for.
Crystal Palace Agree Deal For La Liga Attacker
According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace have verbally agreed a £30 million deal to sign Villarreal attacker, Yeremy Pino.
Pino has said yes to Palace project and has agreed a long term deal at Selhurst Park. The Eagles acted fast in the last 24 hours and the deal is now in its final stages.
Palace have scored just two goals in three games so far this season. Oliver Glasner’s side will be looking to improve on this as they aim to embark on a Europa Conference League adventure this season. The South-East London side have qualified for the Conference League qualifiers after winning last season’s FA cup. Palace defeated all odds with a one-nil victory at Wembley against Manchester City in the final.
Pino’s Career So Far
At just 22 years of age, Pino has already made 133 appearances for Villarreal. The Spaniard came through Las Palmas’ academy before joining Villarreal in 2017 as a 14 year old. Pino turned down FC Barcelona to join Villarreal.
Unai Emery handed the youngster his professional debut in October 2020 in a five-three Europa League victory over Sivasspor. This was just two days after Pino’s 18th birthday. Villarreal went on to win the Europa League that season, defeating Manchester United in the final. Pino started in the final. Subsequently, he became the youngest ever Spanish player to start a major European final, beating the previous record set by Iker Casillas.
The young attacker made his senior Spain debut in October 2021. Pino has since gone on to win another 14 caps, with his latest cap coming in the Nations League final defeat to Portugal in June of this year.
Last season, the Spaniard scored four times and assisted a further nine in 35 appearances. Pino has also started this season off well, with one assist in two games, as Villarreal sit top of the league.
Is This A Good Move For Pino And Palace?
Primarily playing as a winger, Pino can also play as an inside forward. Glasner will be playing the youngster in an inside forward role, just like he did with Eze. Pino’s directness and unselfish play makes him an attractive signing for Palace. His dribbling ability will get the Palace fans up off of their seats and his eye for a pass will excite Jean-Phillippe Mateta.
The French forward feeds off of quality service, and Pino will give him just that. This makes it a smart signing for Palace. Additionally, Pino is just 22 years old, with plenty of room left to grow. The fee Palace have paid for his services could seem like a bargain in years to come if Pino fulfils his potential at Selhurst Park.
For Pino, this represents a step-up to the world’s toughest league in the Premier League. However, as mentioned above, the 22 year old will have no problem if he plays like he did in Spain. Pino should be a consistent starter for Palace, so game time will be no issue. Palace don’t have as high expectations as the big six clubs, allowing Pino to hone his craft without the added pressure.
It is a wise decision, then, for the youngster to choose Palace in the next step of his career.