Why Ollie Watkins would be a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace
Back in August, The Express had claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in signing Brentford forward Ollie Watkins but a move didn’t materialize during the summer transfer window.
Ollie Watkins, 23, joined Brentford from Exeter City in the summer of 2017 after impressing in the lower leagues of English football.
The forward has since established himself as one of the best players in the Championship, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in the 2017-18 season and finding the net 10 times and providing 8 assists last season.
However, he has almost amassed his total from last season in nearly a quarter of the matches.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals so far and the January transfer window would be perfect for Crystal Palace to revive their interest in the Brentford star.
The Eagles have faded after a bright start to the campaign and are without a win in their last five league games. Throughout the season, they have lacked the cutting edge in attack, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend misfiring.
Christian Benteke continues to look out of sorts and while Jordan Ayew has surprised with his displays, Roy Hodgson must sign a new forward if he wants to achieve a respectable finish. To that end, Ollie Watkins would be a fantastic fit at Selhurst Park.
Following his move to Brentford from Exeter City back in the summer of 2017, Watkins has showcased immense productivity and consistency at Griffin Park.
The 23-year-old has led the Bees’ attack brilliantly so far this season, shouldering the responsibility of scoring goals after Neal Maupay’s summer exit to Brighton.
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A versatile forward, Watkins has the ability to play anywhere across the frontline. He is direct in his approach and that would complement the likes of Zaha, Townsend and Ayew at Palace.
Verdict
Watkins has the quality and potential to enhance Palace’s attack. Having proven his worth in the Championship, he deserves a chance in the Premier League and Hodgson must do everything to his powers to recruit the 23-year-old to solve his team’s goalscoring woes.