If reports are to be believed then odds are stacked in the favour of Crystal Palace to land West Ham United’s outgoing goalkeeper Adrian. The Spanish shot stopper’s future at London Stadium came to an end when the Hammers decided to bring in Manchester City reject Joe Hart on a season-long loan.
Despite not having the best of displays under the bar for West Ham last season, the custodian still holds high interest among other Premier League clubs. Apart from the Eagles, sides like Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford are also keen on landing him.
Palace had a horrific season last term, which could be said to have been more of a collective blunder by their backline. Until former manager Sam Allardyce brought in Mamadou Sakho on a temporary basis from Liverpool, the Eagles were letting in goals for fun. They conceded a whopping 63 goals in 36 games last season and surely the goal keeper cannot be blamed for it all.
30-year-old Wayne Hennessey conceded 46 goals in 29 appearances and with the leaky defence of Scott Dann, James Tomkins and an even leakier midfield left little for him to do. However, the towering 197cm figure did have some brilliant moments from set-pieces.
Adrian, however, had a better season than the Welsh international. Starting as the first choice under boss Slaven Bilic, the 30-year-old conceded just 25 goals in 16 appearances, before Randolph took over owing to his brilliant displays in EFL Cup and FA Cup games. However, he ended the season conceding 39 goals in 22 games.
Palace had to part ways with Sam Allardyce against their wishes and their new managerial appointment isn’t looked upon very highly too. Frank De Boer had a disastrous start to his managerial stint outside Ajax as he couldn’t manage to stay more than four months at Inter Milan. And Palace’s decision to appoint him did spark a debate.
However, the Dutch legend has strengthened the back line immediately upon his arrival. Though it seems like Palace will miss out on Sakho from Liverpool they have brought in Jairo Riedewald from Ajax, who is a highly-rated centre half. Hennessey would expect a better cover from his front men this time.
There is no doubt Adrian will have to fight for a first team place with the Welshman currently the first preference for De Boer, and the season prior to the World Cup would mean tremendous competition. Adrian is yet to be capped in national colours yet and this could be his last chance in the World Cup.
