Robbie Brady is certainly a man who finds his stock pretty high at the moment. A host of Premier League clubs remain interested in the Irish international as per reports. Crystal Palace are one of those who are keen on signing him. Reports claim that the Eagles had a £10m bid for Brady rejected by Norwich this week but have followed up with an improved offer but it also states that Burnley, Sunderland and Leicester City are in the running for the 24-year-old wideman.
The Republic of Ireland international did exceedingly well in the Euro 2016 but is still plying his trade in the Championship, which is a big surprise. But given the amount of interest Brady is gaining, he might not have to play in the second tier anymore. Out of all the clubs linked with Brady, Palace seem like the best fit.
A position that has troubled the Eagles throughout the season has been the left-back. Pape Souare has missed the whole season after hurting himself badly in a car crash and his boots have been hard ones to fill. The Senegalese international never seemed so important for the Eagles prior to his injury but Crystal Palace have failed to replace him. Brady, despite being a left-winger by trade, is well capable of playing at left-back as well and Allardyce probably wants him for that very reason.
There are not many wide players nowadays who play like orthodox wingers but Brady is one of those. The Irishman has made 1.1 crosses every game in the Championship this season. The 24-year-old has also produced 1.5 key passes every game and has played 2.1 long balls every game. The figures are impressive for a player who has seen most of his gametime at left-back.
Even when Souare comes back from injury, Brady’s versatility will definitely see him ply his trade elsewhere on the pitch. He can play as a left-back, as a wing-back, as a left winger and as a right winger. Norwich boss Alex Neil has deployed him in the middle of the park as well and his best figures have come from that position; 2 goals in 2 games.
A player gifted with an incredible versatility, Brady could be an asset to any club in the League. Still only 24, his peak years are yet to come and if Palace can seal this deal, this could prove to be a favourable transfer for them.
