Report: Crystal Palace lining up Allan Saint-Maximin as potential Zaha replacement

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According to the Metro, Crystal Palace are targeting Allan Saint-Maximin as a potential replacement for the in-demand Wilfried Zaha. The Daily Mail have reported that the Eagles would have to pay £25 million to land the Nice man, with Watford and Newcastle also keen on the 22-year-old.

Roy Hodgson may lose Zaha this summer, so will need a plan for replacing his talismanic wide man. Saint-Maximin could provide the solution for the south London club. The Frenchman is an exciting talent with huge potential. His skillset and style of play would allow him to flourish at Selhurst Park, in the same manner that Zaha has.

TBR’s view

Saint-Maximin has the pace and skill to pose a threat to Premier League defences. Crystal Palace play a fast-paced, counter-attacking style of football that relies heavily upon being effective in the wide areas. The former France under-21 international would suit this approach.

However, in order to truly shine and reach his potential, Saint-Maximin must improve his end product. The attacker only managed six goals in Ligue 1 last season – a respectable but unspectacular return. However, he also provided five assists for his teammates. 

Given the funds that Zaha’s sale would raise, Hodgson could afford to bring Saint-Maximin in as his replacement. That would be money well spent.