“He’s in London at the moment” – Manager frustrated at Crystal Palace transfer, deal edging towards completion

First reported in the French media, the transfer of Naouirou Ahamada from Stuttgart to Crystal Palace is well on its way.

Following the initial story, the idea of the Frenchman moving was then dismissed by the Bundesliga side, but it appears it will be taking place regardless.

Multiple reports have appeared on Monday seemingly confirming the midfielder’s transfer to Crystal Palace, and we now have further hints from Germany courtesy of his manager, Bruno Labbadia.

Quoted by Sky Germany, the Stuttgart coach said ahead of their game against SC Paderborn: “Unfortunately, he won’t be available to me. He’s in London at the moment. Nothing is ready yet, because nothing has been signed yet.”

A key member of his squad, Ahamada is being sold ‘due to financial constraints’, as the €12m or so put on the table by Crystal Palace appear to have been too good to turn down.

This is something Labbadia lamented, adding: “We have to accept things that are not ideal for the sporting situation.”

It’s also been made clear that despite the fee arriving in one go, Stuttgart can only reinvest a ‘fraction’ of it.

An all-around frustrating situation for Labbadia, although that isn’t something Crystal Palace will be worried about, with their job just to give Patrick Vieira the midfielder he has been asking for.