Crystal Palace Eyes Cut-Price January Deal for £80,000-a-week Target Kelechi Iheanacho
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Crystal Palace is exploring a potential bargain move in the January transfer window, with Kelechi Iheanacho emerging as a viable option should Jean-Philippe Mateta be sold.
Roy Hodgson is actively seeking improvements to the team’s forward options, given the squad’s modest tally of 14 goals this season. Mateta, drawing attention for his struggles to make a significant impact on the field, is reportedly likely to leave the club in January. Recent reports suggest Mateta desires an exit, prompting Palace to explore alternatives.
Revisiting a summer target, Crystal Palace is considering a move for Kelechi Iheanacho, as reported by the Standard. The potential sale of Mateta could pave the way for the Selhurst Park side to secure Iheanacho in a deal valued as low as £8 million, creating the financial flexibility needed for the move.
Iheanacho, whose contract with Leicester City expires in June, is likely to be available at a discounted price. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward boasts proven Premier League goal-scoring ability, offering healthy competition for current striker Odsonne Edouard.
Iheanacho’s career trajectory includes a promising start at Manchester City, where he scored eight goals in 26 games. After a notable season, he moved to Leicester, contributing consistently to goals and assists during his seven seasons with the club. Despite a comparatively modest return of five goals in 18 Championship appearances this season, Iheanacho’s clinical style could thrive in the creative environment of the Palace side, featuring talents like Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
