Crystal Palace are now very close to signing Darío Osorio, with the winger already travelling to London to complete his move.
The Eagles are working on a £24m (€27.8m) deal for the FC Midtjylland star. Reports from Denmark and Chile now provide some very encouraging signs that an agreement is on the way.
Osorio was missing from Midtjylland training in Ikast on Tuesday morning. And there was a very good reason for that.
According to local newspaper Herning Folkeblad, the 22-year-old has flown to London to complete what they describe as his “dream move”.
Osorio already on his way to London
Herning Folkeblad say Osorio is “very close” to moving to the Premier League. Despite plenty of interest elsewhere during the window, they say Crystal Palace are now about to land the Chile international.
Their information also explains his absence from training, which was first spotted by Danish journalist Ryan Svale Andersen.
Osorio wasn’t being rested or kept away without explanation. Herning Folkeblad report he travelled to the English capital specifically to complete the transfer.
The newspaper puts the expected fee at £24m (€27.8m). That could make Osorio the most expensive sale in Danish Superliga history.
Herning Folkeblad sound particularly confident about Osorio’s destination. They finish by saying everything indicates his next goals will come in a Crystal Palace shirt.
Midtjylland have already brought in his replacement
The developments in Denmark are backed up by reports from Chile. Al Aire Libre covers Osorio’s absence and points out he had played the full 90 minutes against Silkeborg. There had been no indication of an injury after that match.
They also highlight another significant piece of Midtjylland business. The Danish club have signed Venezuelan winger David Martínez from Los Angeles FC for €7.3m (£6.3m). And Herning Folkeblad describes the 20-year-old as the “direct replacement for Darío Osorio”.
That is quite an investment. Al Aire Libre reports the fee makes Martínez the most expensive incoming transfer in Superliga history. It also fits with what Midtjylland president Claus Steinlein said recently.
He confirmed the club had rejected several offers for Osorio and Franculino Djú because the price wasn’t right. Steinlein then explained that Midtjylland would need replacements if either player left.
They now appear to have sorted that before Osorio’s transfer is even announced.
Crystal Palace closing in
ADN Chile also reports that Osorio’s situation accelerated on deadline day and highlights his absence from training amid the transfer developments.
There had been no shortage of English interest before Crystal Palace made their move. Hull City were brought into the picture last week, while Fulham, West Ham and Brighton have also been credited with interest recently. Several other Premier League clubs have been linked at different stages.
The local information from Midtjylland’s doorstep is strong. Osorio is very close to leaving, has flown to London to complete his “dream move”, and his club have already spent heavily on a direct replacement.
Everything is lining up for Crystal Palace to get their man before the window closes.
