Crystal Palace Targets Marseille Midfielder Quinten Timber as Summer Reinforcement
Crystal Palace is preparing to enter the race to secure Marseille’s highly regarded midfielder Quinten Timber this summer.
The South London club is wrapping up a historic stretch, having captured the FA Cup last season and currently preparing for next week’s Conference League final. The European final will serve as the final match for manager Oliver Glasner, who is set to exit the club at the expiration of his contract. Looking to the future, Palace leadership has identified Timber as a primary transfer target to bolster their squad for the upcoming campaign.
Marseille’s Financial Pressures Create Transfer Opportunity
Timber moved to Marseille from Feyenoord last summer following a disagreement with manager Robin van Persie and has put together a highly impressive season in France. However, Marseille’s recent campaigns have hit roadblocks:
- The club was knocked out during the Champions League league phase.
- A fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 means they missed out on qualifying for next season’s tournament.
Confronted with the resulting financial strain from missing out on elite European revenue, Marseille will likely need to cash in on key assets. While the French side is expected to seek a fee between €25-30 million (£21.6-26 million) for the Dutch international, their unstable economic position means interested clubs might be able to negotiate a bargain deal.
A Step Up in the Transfer Market
Palace is anticipating several squad departures in the upcoming window, including midfield star Adam Wharton. Timber, noted for his top-tier experience, is viewed as an ideal replacement.
Reflecting the club’s recent on-field success and growth under Glasner, Crystal Palace is now capable of attracting a higher tier of talent. While signing a player of Timber’s caliber would have been highly unlikely for the Eagles a few years ago, it has now become a completely viable pursuit. Though finalizing the transfer will be challenging, securing Timber early would serve as a major statement of intent once Glasner’s managerial successor is officially appointed.
