HLTCO podcast presenter Dan Cook feels that Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards would be a valuable addition at Crystal Palace.
Speaking on the latest episode of the podcast, Cook was excited by the possibility of a deal and feels that Richards could provide adequate cover for the established pairing of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.
According to The Telegraph, Palace are considering a move for the 22-year-old who spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim.
The versatile defender has shown an ability to play anywhere across the back four, while the right-footed USA international is predominantly a centre-half.
He was signed by Bayern back in 2018, but has only featured heavily in their second team in the German third tier. However, his recent top-flight experience earned at Hoffenheim has seemingly caught the attention of the Eagles – and it is certainly a transfer that Cook is excited about.
How many centre-backs should Palace sign?
1 is enough
At least 2
He said: “Chris Richards is someone that could potentially come into the Crystal Palace squad, not demand starts every single week, work as part of the squad on the training ground, bedding into life in south London, but also be relied upon to be able to look after the ball relatively well.
“It certainly is a transfer that I feel would give us real depth. It would fit with the age profile of our transfer business over the last 18 months or so and it would give him a platform to really make a mark in a hugely popular league.
“It’s certainly something that I will be keeping an eye on over the next couple of days, if not weeks, and hopefully we can get some positive news.”
TIF Thoughts on Richards to Palace…
Hailed as an ‘athletic freak’ by former USA national team scout Thomas Rongen, Richards has only made 10 senior appearances in Bavaria and is valued at £6.75m by Transfermarkt, but he is thought to be highly regarded by Die Roten and The Athletic has reported that a move wouldn’t come cheap.
Nonetheless, having relied heavily on both Andersen and Guehi for much of last season, who played 39 and 42 times respectively, the club would be wise to invest.
33-year-old James Tomkins featured in just nine games for Palace last term, while Nathan Ferguson’s injury nightmare in south London continued, meaning a signing in that department should be among the club’s priorities this summer.