Crystal Palace Complete Signing of Ajex Defender in £3m Bargain Move | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Secure Borna Sosa in Smart Summer Move

Crystal Palace have strengthened their squad with the signing of Croatia international Borna Sosa from Ajax, Sky Sports has reported. The 27-year-old arrives at Selhurst Park on a three-year contract, with the Eagles paying a reported £3 million fee. This marks the club’s second signing of the summer window after goalkeeper Walter Benitez, reflecting a clear intent to bolster key areas ahead of the Premier League season.

Croatian Quality Arrives at Selhurst Park

Sosa’s pedigree is well established. With 26 caps for Croatia, including five starts during their impressive run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he brings experience on the international stage. Having joined Ajax from Stuttgart in 2023, Sosa spent the last campaign on loan at Torino in Serie A, gaining valuable minutes in one of Europe’s top leagues.

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Sky Sports highlighted the Croatian’s versatility, noting his ability to operate as a left wing-back, left-back or even in a more advanced role when required. This flexibility is something Palace will surely look to exploit, especially given their ambitions to push further up the table this season.

Strengthening at the Back

For Palace, the signing is not merely about adding numbers. The left flank has long needed reinforcement, with competition required for Tyrick Mitchell. Sosa’s crossing ability and forward thrust will add another dimension to Oliver Glasner’s tactical options.

Sky Sports reported, “Sosa has won 26 caps for Croatia, starting five of his country’s games as they reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.” That experience should prove invaluable, especially in tight Premier League contests where margins are fine.

Transfer Strategy Signals Intent

Bringing in Walter Benitez earlier this window and now Sosa points to a focused recruitment approach. Palace are not chasing marquee names but are instead targeting players with experience, adaptability and hunger to prove themselves in the Premier League.

It is worth noting that the modest fee represents excellent value, considering Sosa’s age profile and international résumé. As one Palace insider put it, “He brings leadership, quality and European know-how, exactly what we need to raise the standards.”

What Comes Next for Palace?

With Sosa and Benitez through the door, attention will likely turn to reinforcing midfield and potentially adding another forward. Glasner has been clear about needing depth across the pitch, and fans will be eager to see if further deals materialise before the window closes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Crystal Palace supporter, this transfer is a reason for real excitement. Borna Sosa is exactly the sort of player we need to kick on. His performances for Croatia at the World Cup were no fluke, and you don’t get 26 caps for a side like that without having something special.

We have seen too often that when Tyrick Mitchell is out or struggling, we lack balance down the left. Sosa will not just cover, he will push Mitchell to new heights. His delivery into the box is superb, something we have missed since Patrick van Aanholt’s days.

The £3 million fee is an absolute steal, especially in today’s market. It shows that Dougie Freedman and the recruitment team are doing their homework, identifying players who fit the system and can add immediate value.

Also, the fact that Sosa played in Serie A and the Eredivisie suggests he’s adaptable and ready for the physicality and pace of the Premier League. I can’t wait to see him link up with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, and if we can keep them all fit, we could surprise a lot of people this season.

This feels like smart business and a sign that Palace mean business.