Crystal Palace Summer Rebuild - a thread

This thread will be as close to a realistic rebuild as I can manage, based on players we’ve been linked with.

The signings are somewhat optimistic, and the fees will vary. However, a rebuild this size is needed desperately.

The key focus - lowering the average age.

12 players are out of contract this summer, a huge amount of players. Wholesale changes are needed, and if done, and funded, properly, we can hopefully push on next season.

Likes and retweets are appreciated.

GOALKEEPERS -

KEEP - Guaita, Butland, Henderson

RELEASE - Hennessey

This leaves us with a much-loved first choice, a decent backup and a home-grown third choice keeper.

RIGHT BACKS -

KEEP - Clyne, Ward, Ferguson

With Ferguson injury prone, it would make sense to have 3 right backs, including club legend Ward (also a year from his testomonial). Ferguson could also be used as a CB.

CENTRE BACKS -

KEEP - Tomkins, Kelly, Kouyate, Ferguson*

RELEASE - Sakho, Cahill, Dann

SIGN - Dragusin (free), Guehi (loan)

Sakho is our best centre back, but he’s always injured, and on massive wages. Cahill and Dann are both past it unfortunately, however renewing one of their contracts could make sense in order to have a big, experienced leader in the dressing room.

Radu Dragusin (19) is a young, ‘complete’ centre back who plays for Juventus. Having already played Champions League, he’s out of contract in the summer. He wants game time, so a move to Palace would be great for all parties.

Marc Guehi (20) is on loan at Swansea, from Chelsea. He is a fast and powerful centre back. A permanent move would be great, however he is in Chelsea’s future plans. A season long loan to Palace would work nicely for everyone.

LEFT BACKS -

KEEP - Mitchell

RELEASE - Van Aanholt

SIGN - Amavi (free)

This doesn’t need much explaining. Four years younger than PVA, Amavi is a good all round left back we could get for free. Hopefully he doesn’t take PVA’s relaxed approach to defending.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD -

KEEP - Milivojevic, Riedewald, McArthur

RELEASE - McCarthy

SIGN - Tufan (£10m)

While McCarthy is generally loved by the fans for his aggression and bite, we can’t keep all of our ageing, injury-prone midfielders. We have to lower the average age. With constant links to Celtic, I see that move happening this summer.

While some are sceptical about Tufan, the club have held a strong interest in him for some time. He is a strong central midfielder with plenty of aggression on the pitch.

Hopefully the scouting department have got this one right.

WINGERS -

KEEP - Zaha, Schlupp

RELEASE - Townsend

SIGN - Olise (£15-20m)

Zaha and Schlupp speak for themselves.

Townsend is a long way past his best, and, despite trying his best every game he plays, shouldn’t be starting for an ambitious Premier League side. If he is kept, it should be for backup at the very most.

Olise (19) would be our marquee signing of the summer. Admired by plenty of big clubs around Europe, signing Olise would show a statement of intent. The tricky, creative Reading winger only has a year left on his contract, so could be persuaded to make the move to the Prem.

STRIKERS -

KEEP - Benteke, Mateta, Ayew

RELEASE - Wickham, Batshuayi

Played in a system that suits his strengths, Benteke still has the capacity to score double figures in a season, easily. Mateta’s loan continues next season, and fan favourite Ayew is a great backup, who can also play out wide if needed.

OVERVIEW -

KEEP - Clyne, Ward, Benteke, Henderson

RELEASE - Hennessey, Sakho, Dann, Cahill, Van Aanholt, McCarthy, Townsend, Wickham

SEND BACK - Batshuayi

Here is how our squad could look next season.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading. Any other suggestions are welcome in the comments

completely forgot Eze! https://twitter.com/palacejacob/status/1362469717676597252