According to the reports from the Sun, Crystal Palace are among a host of clubs who are chasing Getafe’s centre back Dakonam Djene. London heavyweights like Arsenal and Tottenham are also said to be interested along with Everton. Hence, the Eagles will have a tough job in luring in Togo’s centre back.
Getafe are reportedly valuing Djene at £22m. French heavyweights Monaco had put in a bid of £12.8m for him, but the La Liga club rejected that. Djene has his contract at the club until 2023. The centre back was named in La Liga Teams of the Year for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaign, and that showcases his worth.
Djene has once again been instrumental for his side in defence. The defender has made 22 appearances in all competitions for his team this season. Getafe currently occupies the seventh spot on the table, five points behind fourth-placed Sevilla.
Palace have been defensively solid for most parts this season. Only Liverpool, Leicester City and Sheffield United have conceded lesser goals than Hodgson’s men in the league so far. Even though the club has faced some injury crisis in defence, Palace have been tight at the back.
Why are Palace unlikely to sign Djene?
They have a decent amount of options as well in defence. Gary Cahill, James Tomkins, Scott Dann, Mamadou Sakho and Jairo Riedewald are decent defenders on their day. Martin Kelly can also fill in at central defence even though he is more of a right back.
Hence, it is not a necessity for the Eagles to sign a defender this month. Moreover, clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham are more desperate to add options at the back, and they might be eager to bring in a defender in January itself. Djene is being chased by both of them so Palace might find it hard to beat both the major North London rivals here.
What is Djene known for?
Nevertheless, we will look at Djene’s qualities. The 28-year-old is a 34 times Togo international, and he has decent defensive attributes. Djene is a smart reader of the game, and he can time his challenges well. He is also able to nick the ball often just from the front of the striker as he likes to sit tight on his man.
However, the Getafe man has the awareness about when he needs to fall back deep and defend instead of sitting tight. He is aggressive and often makes numerous interceptions in the game. Djene also showcases decent physical qualities and hence, it is understandable why quite a few Premier League clubs are after him.
