Coral’s possible destinations for Crystal Palace dangerman Bolasie
Published:
According to reports, Crystal Palace (6/4 with Coral for a top 10 finish) could be on the verge of losing star player Yannick Bolasie, with a trio of Premier League rivals said to be circling for the skilful winger.
A versatile talent, Bolasie only began to bring real end product to his promising potential last term, contributing four goals and 11 assists to Palace’s impressive campaign.
The Eagles have already improved their attack with the season-long loan of Chelsea-owned poacher Patrick Bamford and are also sizing-up QPR striker Charlie Austin. With Alan Pardew at the helm and the already excellent capture of Yohan Cabaye then, Bolasie may do well to stay put.
Should the lure of pastures new prove too much, however, Coral writers have come up with possible destinations for the flank threat. Read on to find out six where we think he could thrive…
Aston Villa
While Villa, who are said to have taken a fancy to the France-born wideman may not immediately appear to be an upgrade on Bolasie’s situation at Selhurst Park, the prospect of higher wages and a historically prestigious club could tempt him to join Tim Sherwood’s squad.
The Midlands men should have money to spend after the sales of Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph, while Bolasie would bring the injection of quality the club needs to steer clear of another relegation battle.
Lyon
With exciting prospects Nabil Fekir and Alexandre Lacazette already on their books Lyon, whose top-draw talents are drawing admiring gazes, could boost their depth and prepare for any departures by luring adaptable Bolasie across the Channel.
The 17-capped Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder is Lyonnais by birth and could favour a move back to his hometown club to help their highly-rated current crop challenge for titles and venture into the Champions League.
Marseille
Having lost much of their potency through exits of Andre Ayew, Andre-Pierre Gignac and Dmitri Payet, Les Phoceens need to start bringing some star dust back through the Stade Velodrome door, especially if they are to retain mercurial manager Marcelo Bielsa.
At 26, Bolasie’s experience could balance well in tandem with 22-year-old whiz Florian Thauvin, another versatile attacker, who is still somewhat of a rough diamond.
Check out Bolsie’s brilliant skills:
Newcastle United
Magpies manager Steve McClaren has already spoken of surprise signings and, after rejuvenating the St James’ Park attack with recent additions Aleksandar Mitrovic and Georginio Wijnaldum, adding Bolasie to the Tyneside team’s roster would continue that trend.
After Newcastle’s poor end to last term, further reinforcements are still required to spark McClaren’s attack, and Bolasie already has family links to the Northeast outfit, as cousin and fellow winger Kazenga LuaLua is a former Magpies cult hero.
Tottenham
Another supposed suitor is Spurs, with Maurico Pochettino said to be scouring the continent to bring genuine top quality width to White Hart Lane.
Should Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend call it quits in London, there would be more than enough space for Bolasie to arrive. However, the wingman would certainly be put under the microscope as Tottenham challenge for a top four place, and would have to repeatedly prove his purple patch last season was not a mere flash in the pan.
Bolasie’s training tricks:
West Ham United
It’s no secret that, under new boss Slaven Bilic, the Hammers are on an intense recruitment drive, with Bolasie believed to be the Croatian coach’s next target after snaring playmaking pair Dmitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. The ambitious side may still need added guile and goals from wide though, following string-puller Stewart Downing’s departure.
Any switch to Upton Park could be a risk as, with so much change afoot, West Ham (2/1 for a top 10 finish) will likely have a far less stable upcoming campaign than Palace, especially considering their Europa League adventures. Yet, the thought of Bolasie supporting forwards Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho would surely be thrilling for fans.
