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The challenge of climbing the Premier League table is that other teams start targeting your best players, and unfortunately for Crystal Palace, this seems to be their situation this summer.
Oliver Glasner, only four months into his tenure, is set to lose Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, while Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing Eberechi Eze.
However, with Crystal Palace now seen as an attractive club for football, drawing in exciting talent should be easier. One potential recruit to Selhurst Park is Norwich City’s Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, who could be the perfect replacement for Olise.
Crystal Palace transfer news
Last month, journalist Bobby Manzi reported that Palace showed interest in Gabriel Sara due to his impressive form in the Championship. This was later confirmed by the BBC.
The positive news for Palace is that Manzi’s report suggested Norwich would consider offers over £20 million. However, recent reports indicate that Serie A giants AS Roma are also keen on the player, making the deal more complex.
Sara is an exceptionally talented player, and if Crystal Palace can outmaneuver Roma, he could be an ideal replacement for Olise.
Why Sara would be a great Olise replacement
Finding a like-for-like replacement for Olise is unlikely this summer, given his exceptional talent. However, Sara could help fill the void left by Olise’s departure.
In 53 appearances for Norwich last season, Sara scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 1.9 games. In comparison, Olise scored ten goals and provided six assists in 19 games, averaging a goal involvement every 1.1 games. While Olise’s numbers are more impressive, it’s notable that Sara, even starting 15 games in defensive midfield, managed to contribute a goal more than every other game, suggesting he could thrive under Glasner.
Moreover, according to FBref, Sara ranks in the top 2% of midfielders for non-penalty goals, expected assists, and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for non-penalty expected goals and assists, the top 4% for assists, and the top 6% for total shots per 90 minutes. Former manager David Wagner even dubbed him “outstanding.”
Ultimately, while replacing Olise with a single player might be impossible, Sara seems capable of compensating for some of his output. Under Glasner’s guidance, Sara could potentially become an even greater asset for Crystal Palace.
