Crystal Palace boss, Roy Hodgson is currently on the lookout for a first choice goalkeeper to replace the inconsistent Julian Speroni and Wayne Hennessey. RCD Espanyol goalkeeper, Diego Lopez is one of the top candidates in Hodgson’s books to take up the position.
Sitting right at the bottom of the points table with 27 goals conceded, the Eagles are in dire need of talents both on the defensive and the offensive end. Hodgson has referred to the goalkeeping position as problematic so far in the season and is eager to address the issue.
Diego Lopez appeared in 38 matches in the La Liga for Espanyol in the previous season, but has only featured in 2 games for the Blanquiazules in their current campaign and has fallen below the pecking order behind Pau Lopez as their first choice keeper. The 36-year-old had the promise of an illustrious career in front of him after his move to Real Madrid in January of 2013.
Replacing Casillas at goal, Lopez was impressive for the Galacticos under Carlo Ancelotti and helped the side to a Champions League win in 2014. He was sought out by Serie A side, AC Milan after the season for a move and ended up leaving the Santiago Bernabéu. However, his career took a downward trajectory from there falling behind 16-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Italian side.
Still a few years of professional football left in him, Lopez should opt for a move out of the Spanish side and return to featuring for a side as a first choice keeper. Adjusting to the Premier League is not easy but with the boatload of experience left in him, Lopez can help Crystal Palace end the season on a remarkable note with an escape from relegation.
Roy Hodgson still has a tough schedule of matches against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City before the end of this year. After a gruelling December, the Eagles will need new talent to attack the second half of the season positively and dig themselves out of a relegation battle.
The club is currently facing a £100million bill in redeveloping their home stadium, Selhurst Park. Even though their chairman, Steve Parish has reassured their fans that it will not affect their transfer budget in January, Hodgson will find it hard to pursue lofty targets.
Palace’s possible targets towards the further end of the pitch are Cenk Tosun of Besiktas and Newcastle United winger Rolando Aarons.
