Palace enter race for PSG forward

Crystal Palace have emerged as one of several clubs tracking Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, following reports that the Ligue 1 champions are open to offers in the region of €40 million (£33 million). The 26-year-old France international has struggled for consistent minutes under Luis Enrique this season, prompting PSG to consider cashing in.

Palace are understood to have registered their interest internally, though no formal bid has been submitted. The Eagles are seeking attacking reinforcements after a mixed first half of the Premier League campaign, with Jean-Philippe Mateta shouldering much of the goalscoring burden.

Kolo Muani's season so far

Kolo Muani has made 14 Ligue 1 appearances this term, scoring twice and providing one assist. His total across all competitions stands at four goals and three assists in 22 outings. Those numbers represent a significant drop-off from his 2022-23 campaign at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he notched 15 league goals and 11 assists, leading to a €75 million transfer to PSG last summer.

In the Champions League, Kolo Muani has been used mainly from the bench, averaging just 38 minutes per appearance in the group stage. His lack of a defined role in PSG’s fluid system—often deployed as a false nine or left winger—has hindered his output, but his physical profile and pressing ability remain attractive to Premier League sides.

Tactical fit at Selhurst Park

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace typically set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mateta as the lone striker. Kolo Muani offers a different option: he can play across the front line, drift wide, or operate as a second striker. His speed in transition and willingness to press high could suit Palace’s counter-attacking style, especially when facing top-half opponents.

Palace have relied heavily on set-piece goals this season, scoring nine times from dead-ball situations—the fourth-highest in the league. Adding a forward with Kolo Muani’s aerial prowess (he ranks in the 82nd percentile for headed goals among forwards in Europe’s top five leagues) could bolster that threat further.

Transfer context

PSG’s willingness to let Kolo Muani leave for €40 million represents a significant discount on the €75 million they paid Frankfurt. That €35 million drop reflects his diminished role and the club’s desire to balance their books. For Palace, such a fee would be a club-record outlay, surpassing the £30 million paid for Eberechi Eze in 2023.

  • €40m asking price would eclipse Palace's current transfer record of £30m (£34m)
  • Kolo Muani scored 23 league goals in two Bundesliga seasons before joining PSG
  • He was part of France’s 2022 World Cup squad, starting the final

Fantasy Premier League implications

At a potential price of around £7.0-7.5m should he join Palace, Kolo Muani would become an appealing midfield option in FPL. Palace have favourable fixtures after Gameweek 25, facing four bottom-half teams across six matches. His ownership would likely be low initially, offering differential value for managers seeking a budget forward with upside.

Competition and likelihood

Palace are not alone in their pursuit. Several Serie A clubs, including Juventus and AC Milan, have been linked with Kolo Muani, while Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the situation. However, the financial power of the Premier League could give Palace an edge if they decide to meet PSG’s valuation. Glasner’s personal relationship with the player, stemming from their shared Bundesliga background, may also help.

No deal is imminent, and Palace are expected to evaluate other targets before committing. With seven days remaining in the winter window, time is tight. If the move materialises, it would signal Palace’s ambition to push for a top-half finish—they currently sit 14th, six points clear of 18th-placed Everton.

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