Crystal Palace Pursues Borna Sosa
Crystal Palace has made a formal move to secure Borna Sosa, a left-back currently at Ajax. The Croatian, 27, is among the contenders the club is evaluating in their bid to bolster their left-back options, providing backup and competition for Tyrick Mitchell. As part of their strategy, the Premier League team has submitted a proposal to Sosa, seeking to enhance their squad in anticipation of potential participation in the Europa League next season.
Current Situation and Alternatives
Discussions are set to progress as Palace seeks to come to an agreement, although Sosa is also exploring alternative opportunities. Earlier this year, they sought to strengthen their left wing-back options by bringing in Ben Chilwell on loan from Chelsea, yet the 27-year-old’s impact has been limited, managing only seven substitute appearances and a single start.
Previous Performance and International Experience
During the prior season, Sosa spent time on loan at Torino in Serie A, where he made 19 appearances, helping the club finish 11th. His involvement diminished after February due to a sequence of underwhelming performances and injury setbacks. On the international stage, Sosa has earned 26 caps for Croatia, playing a key role in their run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, while his participation in the recent European Championship was minimal, appearing just once as a substitute.
Transfer History and Current Role
Sosa’s transfer to Ajax from Stuttgart occurred in the summer of 2023, following a solid stint in Germany, where he tallied 118 appearances over five seasons after transferring from Dinamo Zagreb.
Mitchell’s Consistency and Team Needs
Mitchell, who has established himself as Palace’s primary left-back since his debut in 2021, has shown remarkable resilience, featuring in 37 league matches last year alone. With only six league absences over four seasons, his consistent performances have made the lack of adequate support concerning, especially considering he frequently plays through minor injuries due to the team’s thin roster in this area.
UEFA Ruling and Future Implications
Crystal Palace is presently awaiting a ruling from UEFA regarding their Europa League eligibility, which is contingent upon the resolution of John Textor’s investments in both the Eagles and French side Lyon. There are ongoing uncertainties surrounding Lyon’s status due to potential relegation linked to financial issues, which could impact their own Europa League qualification.
Conclusion
Should this deal materialize, it would mark a significant step in providing Mitchell with reliable support, something that has become increasingly necessary as he adapts to the demands of playing left wing-back—a position he officially transitioned to only under new management in early 2024.
