Recent reports from Italy suggest that Crystal Palace has intensified its pursuit of Juventus defender Juan Cabal, with the South American defender becoming a primary focus for the Eagles’ recruitment team. This development follows a busy period for the player, who only moved to the Italian giants in July 2024 after Juventus secured his services from Hellas Verona for a fee of €11m plus an additional €1.8m in performance-related add-ons.
Cabal’s journey in European football began in 2022 when Hellas Verona scouted him from his boyhood club, Atlético Nacional. Since arriving in Turin, however, his career has faced significant hurdles. A severe knee injury in November 2024 sidelined him for 246 days, and his recovery has been further complicated by two separate minor injuries during the first half of the current campaign. Consequently, his output this season has been limited to just 514 minutes across 19 appearances.
The Transfer Landscape
Despite his fitness struggles and lack of consistent rhythm on the pitch, Crystal Palace appears undeterred. Colombian journalist Adrián E Magnoli recently took to X to confirm that Oliver Glasner’s side has designated Cabal as a “priority signing” for the upcoming summer window.
The financial details surrounding a potential deal include:
- Reported Asking Price: Approximately €15m.
- Current Market Value: Estimated at $9m by Transfermarkt.
- Contract Length: His current deal with Juventus runs until 2029.
While the journalist highlighted the Premier League club’s intent, the specific stance of Juventus or the player himself regarding a move to London remains undisclosed at this stage.
Tactical Fit at Selhurst Park
The move would make strategic sense for Crystal Palace’s defensive structure. Manager Oliver Glasner currently utilizes Tyrick Mitchell as his primary left-back, with Borna Sosa and Rio Cardines providing cover. Should Sosa depart the club, Cabal is seen as the ideal candidate to step into that rotational role or challenge Mitchell for the starting spot.
Furthermore, Selhurst Park is becoming a familiar home for Colombian talent. Cabal would find himself among compatriots Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma. Although Lerma’s contract is set to expire this June, a potential extension would see a formidable Colombian trio forming the backbone of the Eagles’ roster next season.
