Crystal Palace are close to securing their replacement for Eberechi Eze, according to The Athletic transfer correspondent David Ornstein – with Oliver Glasner’s side having reached a ‘full agreement’ with Villarreal to sign sought-after star Yeremy Pino, who is currently flying to London to undergo a medical.
The report by Ornstein on X (formerly Twitter) states that Pino’s move to Crystal Palace is now all but done, with an agreement being in place between all parties involved, including Pino and the Eagles. It’s a fee worth north of €25million (£21million), with a fixed fee being accepted plus any additional add-ons.
Ornstein: Yeremy Pino Flying to London for Crystal Palace Medical
The Spanish winger will sign a five-year deal at Selhurst Park, having been given the green light to join Glasner’s men after they lost Eze to Arsenal over the weekend.
Pino, 22, came through the ranks at Canary Islands-based side Las Palmas from the age of 12, though he joined Villarreal in 2017, at the age of 14, turning down Barcelona to sign for the ‘Yellow Submarine’.
It’s been a rapid rise to the first-team for Pino since. He’s become a dependable member of their squad, having made his first-team debut under Unai Emery just two days after his 18th birthday – with 24 La Liga appearances in his first full season for the club.
133 league appearances and 17 goals later, as well as a further five strikes in 36 games in other competitions, he’s become a star on the east coast – even making appearances for Spain with three goals in 15 caps.
A quick, young winger, Palace have secured a solid replacement for Eze for half the price – and although creativity in the central areas may have dipped, it’s a superb addition for a side who are looking to burst their way into the European spots on a regular basis after doing so last season.
The Eagles have spent little money this season, signing Croatian left-back Borna Sosa for £3million from Ajax as their only financial outlay – though backup goalkeeper Walter Benitez has ponied on a free transfer. Eze’s departure has given them wiggle room in the transfer market, and that will see Pino come into their ranks.
Palace were unfortunate not to beat Chelsea away from home in the season opener, as well as managing a draw against last season’s seventh-placed side Nottingham Forest over the weekend – and with a European campaign to contend with, Pino will be key to firing them to Europa Conference League glory.
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