Crystal Palace finally tasted victory on Sunday, snapping a 12-game winless run with a gritty 1-0 win over rivals Brighton. While Adam Wharton’s dominant display winning four out of five ground duels was central to that success, the dark cloud of transfer speculation continues to loom over Selhurst Park.
With Manchester United already in talks and Liverpool and Tottenham waiting in the wings, Oliver Glasner is taking no chances. According to TEAMtalk, the Eagles have officially made contact with FC Nordsjaelland regarding their rising star, Caleb Yirenkyi.
The £22m “Screen” for the Backline
Yirenkyi is becoming one of the most scouted teenagers in Europe, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United all monitoring his progress. Despite the heavy competition, Palace are hoping the lure of immediate first-team football in the Premier League will give them the edge.
Nordsjaelland are holding out for a minimum of £22m a figure that would represent a bargain if Yirenkyi lives up to his burgeoning reputation. Interestingly, the Ghanaian shares the same agent as Villarreal star Yeremy Pino, a connection that could prove vital in smoothing over negotiations.
The Scouting Report: “A Powerful, Imposing Presence”
Scout Ben Mattinson has been quick to praise the 20-year-old, drawing comparisons to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. For a Glasner system that relies on midfield intensity, Yirenkyi’s profile is a dream.
“Very impressive in recent games… Yirenkyi has impressive physical strength to ride challenges and win duels,” Mattinson noted. “Defensively he screens the backline well, anticipates danger… an aggressive tackler.”
Yirenkyi’s Impact (Career Stats):
- Goal Contributions: 4 goals and 7 assists in 40 senior appearances.
- Defensive Prowess: Noted for his elite ability to intercept and screen the defense.
- Physicality: Described as a “powerhouse” ready for the intensity of English football.
The Verdict: Future-Proofing Selhurst Park
While Yirenkyi may need time to adapt to a major league, the foundations are all there. If Wharton departs for a fee likely to exceed £60m, reinvesting a fraction of that into Yirenkyi is the kind of shrewd business that has defined the Palace recruitment model.
Glasner needs a “chaos-killer” in the middle of the park, and in Caleb Yirenkyi, the Eagles might just have found the next great Premier League midfield general.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
