Crystal Palace had a 2016 to forget and will hope that 2017 will be a much better year for them. They parted ways with Alan Pardew after a dismal period under the English manager and brought in Sam Allardyce to the hot-seat. Known for his ‘never gotten relegated’ stature, Allardyce hasn’t had the best of starts at Palace. He is yet to win a single game in charge of the Eagles having managed them in four games. Two ended in draws while the other two times, the Eagles finished on the losing side.
Big Sam has failed to make an immediate impact at Selhurst Park so far but considering that he is proven Premier League manager and someone who knows how to drag teams out from their disastrous times, Crystal Palace fans can be hopeful about better times. ESPN claims that the Eagles are preparing a bid for Southampton skipper Jose Fonte who has out in a transfer request.
Well, this one seems a bit ambitious from the Eagles. Palace are easily a step down when compared to Southampton, but Allardyce’s presence could play a role. It’s pretty clear that Crystal Palace are in dire need for defensive reinforcements and Fonte is clearly a defender good enough for the job. He was formerly at the club during the period between 2008 and 2010 and if he returns to the south London club, it will be a comeback as a much-improved player.
Fonte is a burning example of late bloomers. When he was at Crystal Palace, they were in the Championship and he did not do well enough for them and moved to then-League One side Southampton and since then, it has been a fairytale for both him and the club. From the League One, Southampton have climbed the ladder and have established themselves as a force in the Premier League and also made it to Europe.
A Euro winner with Portugal, the 33-year-old will bring a lot of experience with him to Selhurst Park and could be the ideal partner of Scott Dann in defence. Both of them are proven leaders in the backline and this partnership could one one to watch out for. If Fonte was not 33, he probably would have gone to any big club but age is not on his side which means that Crystal Palace do stand a chance. Allardyce has to seal this deal to experience better times with the Eagles.
