Crystal Palace’s transfer activity is heating up, with Dougie Freedman now setting his sights on a promising young talent often likened to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Eagles have already secured two signings and are currently assessing Ryan Sessegnon on trial.
Now, they’re turning their attention to Aster Vranckx from Wolfsburg, with reports suggesting a potential £8m deal in the works. The timing could be ideal, as Belgium’s recent elimination from Euro 2024 may facilitate negotiations.

Vranckx, a former Golden Boy nominee, represents an exciting prospect for Palace fans. At just 21, he’s already gained experience at several clubs, including a loan spell at AC Milan.
The Italian giants drew parallels between Vranckx and De Bruyne upon his arrival, noting similarities in playing style and their shared Wolfsburg connection.
However, despite these lofty comparisons, Vranckx’s strengths actually lie in his off-the-ball work and defensive capabilities.
His FBRef profile aligns him more closely with players like Edson Alvarez and Enzo Barrenechea, suggesting he could serve as an alternative to Jefferson Lerma or Adam Wharton in Palace’s midfield.
If the move materializes, Vranckx would likely step into the void left by Jairo Riedewald’s departure. For manager Oliver Glasner, nurturing Vranckx’s potential could prove an intriguing challenge.
This potential acquisition underscores Palace’s ambition to blend youth and experience as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.