AliousCrystal Palace and Liverpool are reportedly going head-to-head in their pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf as the transfer window nears its conclusion on February 3rd. Both Premier League sides are looking to strengthen their squads, but Crystal Palace appears to be ramping up their efforts to secure the highly-rated Senegalese wing-back.
Crystal Palace Preparing Improved Offer for Diouf
After having a £12.5m bid turned down by Slavia Prague, Crystal Palace is expected to return with an improved offer of £15m to acquire the 20-year-old. Manager Oliver Glasner is keen to bolster his squad by adding a more offensive-minded left-back to the mix. Diouf’s attacking flair would offer a sharp contrast to the more defensively inclined Tyrick Mitchell, giving the Eagles greater balance and versatility down the left flank.
Liverpool Also Interested in Diouf
Meanwhile, Liverpool is keeping a close eye on Diouf, reportedly considering him as part of their long-term plans to rejuvenate their left-back options. With Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas both established at Anfield but potentially in need of eventual successors, Diouf’s potential move to Merseyside would be more about preparing for the future than addressing immediate needs. However, Slavia Prague’s reported £21m valuation could pose a challenge for both clubs.
Diouf’s Thoughts on the Interest from England
Speaking to IDNES, Diouf addressed the speculation surrounding his future and hinted at his priorities when choosing his next move. The Ziguinchor-born defender emphasized the importance of regular playing time over the prestige of joining a high-profile club.
“I can see what is happening around me, but I am definitely not distracted by it. I am concentrating on myself, on Slavia. I told my uncle, my agent, the same thing. He knows everything, and I know that one day I will take the next step. That day is approaching, but I have to be convinced it is happening at the ideal moment so as not to slow down my development,” Diouf explained.
When asked about Liverpool, he responded cautiously: “Yes, it sounds nice, but would I play for Liverpool? Would I fit in there? For me, it is essential that I don’t stop. It is difficult to move from the substitute bench. I need to play.”
Diouf’s comments suggest he may be leaning toward Crystal Palace, where he is more likely to feature regularly, rather than Liverpool, where he might struggle for immediate minutes behind established players.
Glasner’s Vision for Diouf at Selhurst Park
Glasner’s desire for a more attacking option on the left has been evident, as he aims to replicate the energy and creativity Daniel Munoz brings on the opposite flank. Speaking about Mitchell, Glasner remarked, “We have to accept that he will never be a Daniel Munoz. Danny has a natural skill – an attacking way. He (Mitchell) comes more from the defensive part. I think he has improved already, but he still has potential within this.”
Diouf’s six goals and three assists in 18 Chance Liga matches this season underline his offensive capabilities, making him an ideal candidate to fill the role Glasner envisions.
Potential Departures Could Clear the Way for Diouf
If Crystal Palace can strike a deal for Diouf, his competition for the left-back role may not last long. Reports indicate that Tyrick Mitchell has been offered to Tottenham, with Manchester United also expressing interest as Ruben Amorim searches for a new left-sided defender. Mitchell’s potential exit, combined with Diouf’s dynamic skill set, could see the Senegalese international slot seamlessly into Palace’s starting lineup.
With just days left in the transfer window, the battle for Diouf’s signature is heating up. While Liverpool’s interest adds prestige to the situation, Crystal Palace’s offer of regular playing time may ultimately sway the young star to head for Selhurst Park.
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