After Sam Allardyce was given the Crystal Palace job, it was always going to be likely that he would be linked with his former striker Jermain Defoe. The 34-year-old was the key man as Allardyce managed to miraculously keep Sunderland in the Premier League and relegate the club’s fierce rivals Newcastle in the process. He scored 13 times for the former England manager while the two were at the Stadium of Light together. ESPN report that Sunderland are ready to resist any interest from Crystal Palace as they want to keep Defoe at the club. Moyes insisted that Defoe is ‘priceless’ and a crucial part of his plans going forwards. He is seen as the club’s best chance of staying in the top division for yet another season and it would be a surprise to see him leave in January.
What would he bring to Crystal Palace?
Defoe would provide goals and offer good competition to Christian Benteke. There is a lack of quality beneath the Belgian in the first team squad and a move for Defoe would correct that. He has plenty of experience in the top flight and has showed in the North East that he still has the goal-scoring instincts to do well in the Premier League. Defoe impressed Allardyce with his professionalism and contribution during his time at Sunderland.
The problem with Defoe is that he has few years left at the top level and it would be a short term move from Palace. He would be able to help them to safety this season, but with Christian Benteke in the squad, is he really needed? Goals have not really been an issue for Palace as they have scored the most of any side out of the top five. They would be better off strengthening in other areas of the pitch.
Is a move likely?
I’m sure Allardyce would be interested in bringing Defoe to Selhurst Park, but the board may have reservations about a possible move. He is 34 years old would be an expensive short term addition. The England international would be on big wages and not guaranteed first team football. Moreover, Loic Remy is set to return in the coming weeks and would offer a more dynamic option in attack. There is no real need for Defoe.
That said, if Palace decided to launch a big for Defoe, I’m sure they could secure his signature, despite Sunderland’s stance publicly. David Moyes may want to keep him at the club, but they are struggling financially. The chief executive Martin Bain has admitted that there are no funds to strengthen in January. If that is the case, the club could be tempted to sell Defoe, despite his importance to the side. He doesn’t have many years left at the top level and an opportunity to recoup some money for him may be too good to turn down.
Verdict
2/10 – It seems a lazy link based on the previous relationship between Defoe and Allardyce. There is little reason for Palace to make this move.
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