Crystal Palace were in the chase for Udinese’s Oumar Solet in the last few days of the summer transfer window. A deal never went through and the Italian club are glad to keep the defender.
Earlier this week, SportWitness shed light on how the Eagles’ initial approach for the centre-back fell short of Udinese’s demands. Kosta Runjaic’s side wanted €30m to let Solet leave and there was an expectation of a relaunch from London.
This came after a host of Italian giants – including Inter Milan, had tried to sign the player. Crystal Palace only had to pay €5m more to sign Solet but they ended up with Honest Ahanor instead.
Now, more details have emerged about the player’s situation.
Player wanted transfer
Messaggero Veneto report on the relief at Udinese that Solet is still at the club. The newspaper note that Crystal Palace’s interest never took off and they never made the expected late push for the Frenchman either.
Moreover, the report dismisses claims from England that a €25m offer was being made. This never reached Udinese’s table, even if the player was interested in a move to Selhurst Park.
Solet has never hidden his desire to join a Premier League club. Inter had also reached an agreement over personal terms but never agreed terms with his club.
The player was interested in a move to Crystal Palace. He saw it as an upgrade for his career but the dream ‘transformed into a pumpkin’.
While Solet would regret how things unfolded, or didn’t, Udinese are more than happy he has stayed. Manager Runjaic sees him as a key player, as he impressed quite a bit last season.
Our take: Palace should keep monitoring player
At some point in the future, Solet will leave Udinese. The 26-year-old could soon outgrow the club and be a big fish in a small pond.
He boasts excellent ability on the ball and this has helped him thrive in Italy. The financial realities of the Serie A mean Udinese wouldn’t be able to command an exceptional fee for him either.
That is why Crystal Palace should continue to monitor the player.
