Crystal Palace, a Premier League club, has expressed interest in signing Southampton and Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu at the end of the season, Sportsworldghana.com can exclusively report.
According to sources close to Salisu, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also keen on acquiring the 24-year-old defender during the upcoming summer transfer window.
With Southampton facing relegation from the Premier League, they are likely to lose several key players at the end of the season. Salisu, who has been performing well in the top flight, is unlikely to want to play in the second tier of English football and is expected to seek a stay in the Premier League.
Salisu’s current contract with the Saints ends in the summer of 2024. While Southampton are keen on extending his contract, they have not tasted success yet. With just over 13 months left, Southampton might be forced to sell him in the upcoming window as they are not ready to lose out on him for free.
Salisu’s potential signing would be a significant boost for Crystal Palace, who are determined to outmaneuver competition from Manchester United and Aston Villa for his signature. The club’s manager, Roy Hodgson, is in need of additional depth in the defensive unit, and Salisu could provide strong competition for a starting role alongside players like Marc Guehi next season.
Salisu’s acquisition would be a long-term investment for Crystal Palace, who already have Ghanaian internationals Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp in their squad. Reportedly, the 24-year-old defender is valued at £25 million, a fee that Crystal Palace has the financial resources to meet.
Real Valladolid spotted Salisu while he was at the African Talent Football Academy. The Spanish club signed him in the summer of 2017. The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Europe. Salisu went up the ranks as Valladolid and was promoted to their first team in 2019.
After impressive performances for the Spanish club, Southampton managed to strike a deal for the defender in 2020. Since arriving in the Premier League, the 24-year-old has made 80 appearances for the Saints. As far as the ongoing season is concerned, he has featured in 28 matches.
