Crystal Palace Voiced Concerns Over Yeremy Pino Before £21.6m Deal Finalized
Yeremy Pino is making waves at Crystal Palace following his transfer from Villarreal. The deal, which amounted to £21.6 million, brought the young Spaniard to London in August. Wearing the No. 10 shirt once held by Eberechi Eze, Pino quickly showcased his talent with two assists in a recent match against Dynamo Kyiv.
Concerns Over Yeremy Pino Before Transfer
Despite Pino’s strong start, reports from the Telegraph indicate that Crystal Palace had reservations during the transfer process. The recruitment team was initially uncertain whether Pino was the right fit for the team.
Late Addition to Transfer Targets
Pino emerged as a late transfer target after Eze departed for Arsenal. This suggests Pino was not a primary focus for the club at the start of the summer transfer window. During discussions, the team debated the potential risks of signing the Spain international. Nevertheless, they decided to pursue the £21.6 million deal.
Pino’s Impact at Crystal Palace
Since joining, Pino has started to build a connection with Crystal Palace fans. His performance in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland was well-received. Moreover, his Man of the Match showing against Dynamo Kyiv further solidified his position within the squad.
Transition Post-Doug Freedman
The successful acquisition of Pino may signal a bright future for Crystal Palace, especially following Dougie Freedman’s departure. Freedman was a key figure in the club’s history, known for building the team that achieved promotion in 2013. Following his exit for Saudi Arabia in March, concerns arose about the club’s recruitment capabilities.
New Leadership in Recruitment
Recruitment efforts during the summer were overseen by Iain Moody and Steve Parish. Now, Matt Hobbs has taken over as the new Director of Football after leaving Wolves in June. Hobbs comes with an impressive track record and has a knack for identifying Brazilian talent, having previously signed players like Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes.
Looking Ahead
If Pino is just the beginning of Crystal Palace’s smart signings, the club’s future looks promising in this new era. With a focus on effective recruitment and player development, Crystal Palace aims to continue its upward trajectory in the competitive landscape of football.
