Crystal Palace have been working on a deal for Angers SCO forward Sidiki Chérif for the last fortnight, with the club stepping up their pursuit as the January window moves toward its conclusion.
L’Équipe reported last weekend that the Eagles were intensifying talks to land the 19 year old before the deadline. Since then, the situation has become more complicated. Chérif suffered a knock during Angers’ goalless draw with Paris FC, and interest from elsewhere has quickly grown. Reports from France and Turkey have since linked Fenerbahçe with a serious move, while Fulham were also added to the list of suitors by TRT Spor journalist Doruk Tecimer.
Despite the growing competition, L’Équipe suggested on Friday that a switch to Selhurst Park before Monday remained on the table. Any injury concerns have also eased, with Chérif now back to full fitness.
RMC Sport have now provided further insight into the developing tug of war between Crystal Palace and Fenerbahçe. Their report claims Palace have already struck an agreement with Angers for a permanent transfer worth €25 million, plus a sell on clause. However, the deal is far from done because the player himself is holding firm.
Chérif is said to be prioritising a move to Fenerbahçe, where personal terms have already been agreed on a contract running until 2030. The Turkish giants have opened talks with Angers but saw their first offer rejected, with the French club unhappy with the proposed payment structure. Fenerbahçe are expected to return with an improved bid.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has backed up claims that Palace are still pushing hard, but reiterated that the teenager’s preference is Istanbul. Angers are understood to be demanding that Fenerbahçe match the financial package already accepted from Crystal Palace, a stance that is complicating negotiations.
Another French reporter, Marc Mechenoua, has since suggested talks between Angers and Fenerbahçe are progressing positively. There is growing belief that an agreement worth €25 million including bonuses could be reached before the end of the day.
If that proves to be the case, it would be a frustrating outcome for Crystal Palace, who appear to have done the groundwork with Angers only to be undone by the player’s clear preference.