Alious
Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are locked in a transfer battle for promising German forward Phil Harres, who has emerged as a standout performer at Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel. With both Premier League clubs aiming to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the summer window, Harres has become a name of growing interest.
The 23-year-old striker, currently playing for Holstein Kiel—a club fighting to avoid relegation—has made a significant impact this season. After arriving from FC 08 Homburg last summer, Harres has quickly risen through the ranks, contributing ten goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions for both the senior and reserve teams.
Harres’s football journey has taken him through the youth systems of several notable German clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, VfL Bochum, and Dynamo Dresden. Despite going relatively unnoticed in his early years, the Datteln-born attacker has enjoyed a breakthrough season that’s now turning heads across Europe.
Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Harres comes amid ongoing uncertainty around current striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose future at Selhurst Park remains up in the air. With reported interest from Premier League heavyweights such as Manchester United, the Eagles are proactively seeking a replacement, and Harres has surfaced as a cost-effective and high-upside option.
But Palace are not alone. Wolves are also keeping close tabs on Harres, intrigued by his versatility and ability to lead the line or play in a supporting role. With both clubs looking to revamp their attacking lineups, competition for his signature could intensify as the transfer window approaches.
Financially, a deal for Harres is feasible. Holstein Kiel are reportedly open to parting ways with the striker for around €10 million—a modest fee in today’s market for a player showing clear top-flight potential. His meteoric rise from Germany’s lower leagues to the brink of a Premier League move is seen as a testament to his work ethic and skill development.
A summer move to England would represent a major leap in Harres’s career, and with scouts from both Palace and Wolves closely monitoring his progress, the next few weeks could prove pivotal in determining his future. Whether it’s at Selhurst Park or Molineux, Phil Harres appears poised for the next big step in his footballing journey.
Alious
