Fiorentina Chief Reveals Crystal Palace Abandoned Christian Kouamé Deal Due to Injury Concerns

​Crystal Palace agreed a deal to sign Christian Kouamé during the January transfer window, but abandoned it due to concerns over a serious knee injury, according to Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade.

Following the collapse of his move to south London, the forward had looked set to stay with Genoa for the remaining months of the season. However, La Viola made a late £14m bid, securing Kouamé's services on transfer deadline day, despite the fact he will be sidelined until next term.

Roy Hodgson

The 22-year-old has been marked as one to watch by ​Serie A viewers, who saw him hit five goals and three assists during his 11 league appearances in 2019/20, before the youngster ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in November.


Explaining how Fiorentina pulled off the signing, Prada said (via ​CalcioNews24): "Cristian had already been sold to ​Crystal Palace, [but] the injury stopped everything and we took the ball.


"Christian is a strong footballer. Buying an injured player in January may seem like a risk, but it is not."


Palace manager Roy Hodgson has spoken of his ​disappointment at the Eagles' business last month, with Dundee United teenager Scott Banks and ​Everton outcast Cenk Tosun the only players the English club brought in in January.

Christian Kouame

Hodgson's team lay in 14th place, six points above the relegation zone as things stand. However, three of the sides below them in the ​Premier League table have a game in hand.


Kouamé's injuries mean he would have been unable to help them stave off relegation, but the Eagles' failure to sign him - or any other exciting talents - appears to have impacted the mood at Selhurst Park.


Hodgson had made it clear he wanted the club to provide funds during the January window, and both he and supporters will be concerned by their lack of investment, with Palace's inconsistent form leaving them with plenty of work to do before the close of the campaign.


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Source : 90min