Spending significant sums of money is not something Crystal Palace have been able to do very often throughout their history, and when they have, it’s often gone wrong.
The likes of Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke were purchased for astronomical fees by the club’s standards, with little to show for the extensive outlay.
Things have changed somewhat since Patrick Vieira’s arrival over the summer, with a host of new and relatively expensive acquisitions already making huge impacts at Selhurst Park.
However, Palace’s history is littered with dozens of bargain buys who have helped them punch above their weight rather than record-breaking signings, and Jordan Ayew could be the best of them all.
Although the Ghana international might not be universally popular among some of the Eagles’ fanbase due to his lack of end product – he hasn’t scored a goal in any competition since 7 November 2020 – he has undoubtedly been outstanding value for money.
After enjoying a successful loan spell in south London throughout the 2018/19 campaign, Palace forked out a mere £2.5m to secure his services on a permanent basis from Swansea City.
“I am very happy to have returned. I really enjoyed myself last season,” he revealed upon his unveiling.
Previously, former Palace boss Roy Hodgson had said that Ayew had “played his part in the club securing its highest Premier League points tally in the last campaign”.
The following season, Ayew had arguably already paid back his lowly transfer fee, bagging nine goals and laying on a further two assists in 37 top-flight appearances, forming a promising partnership with Eagles talisman Wilfried Zaha.
Despite the goal contributions drying up since then, the £32,500-per-week wizard has seen his market value rise to £7.2m, meaning that Palace chairman Steve Parish could secure a healthy profit if he decides to part ways with Ayew next summer.
His intelligent pressing, incredible work rate and defensive contribution have made the Ghanaian a valuable asset to both Hodgson and Patrick Vieira, showing that Parish struck gold by picking him up for such a minimal fee.
In other news… 98% pass success: Palace beast shines on international duty, he’s now a “transformative force”
from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/30BbO4Y
via IFTTT