Why Hamari Traore would be a good fit at Crystal Palace

Back in August, a report from the Sun had claimed that Crystal Palace were looking at Rennes’ Hamari Traore to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, no deal materialised and the Eagles ended the summer transfer window without replacing Wan-Bissaka.

Wan-Bissaka, 21, has made an impressive start to his career at Manchester United following his big-money move from Crystal Palace in the summer. He has been one of the few bright sparks at Manchester United this season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side placed tenth in the top-flight after seven fixtures.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Selhurst Park in the 2018/19 season, turning a lot of heads with his crunching tackles and brilliant interceptions. Wan-Bissaka was one of the most important players for Palace last season, so it was baffling to see Roy Hodgson not bring in a player to fill his void before the start of the 2019/20 season.

Joel Ward has been the Eagles’ first-choice right-back this season and he’s performed commendably so far, showing his defensive abilities as well as intent going forward. One cannot fault Ward for the efforts he’s putting in week in and week out but Hodgson simply cannot rely on him for the entire season. The 29-year-old clearly needs cover and competition at right-back.

That being said, Palace must rekindle their interest in Hamari Traore in the January transfer window. Traore, 27, joined Rennes from Reims in 2017 and has since been a consistent performer for the club. He has started the new campaign very well, bagging three assists already in eight Ligue 1 games.

A strong, energetic and tenacious attack-minded right-back with well-rounded attributes, the Mali international loves to bomb up and down the right flank.

Standing at 5ft 9in tall, he is known for his burst of pace and ability to whip delicious crosses into the box. Traore’s dribbling ability, superb attacking presence and defensive diligence would make him a perfect fit for Hodgson’s style of play.

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The former Reims man would be a superb addition for Palace due to his exciting playing style, and he would provide real competition for Ward. Traore is experienced in playing at the highest level in France and would give the Eagles much more impetus and urgency down the right flank. He could boost the south Londoners’ team dynamics massively.

Verdict

At 27, Traore is operating at the peak of his powers and it would be fair to say that Palace must not hesitate to sign him by splashing big money in January.