Crystal Palace’s need to sign a striker in January has intensified after the club announced that Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth has joined Belgium outfit KAA Gent on loan.
Palace are well known to be in the market for a new striker during this transfer window and allowing Sorloth, who has only played as a substitute in the Premier League this season, to leave only adds to the urgency.
How desperately do Palace need a goalscorer? Five things to know…
- Crystal Palace have only scored 19 times in the Premier League this season in 21 matches.
- Only two teams, Newcastle and Huddersfield, have fewer goals.
- But the Eagles average the eighth-most shots per game in the Premier League.
- Their current top-scorer is Luka Milivojevic, who has just six strikes to his name.
- Sorloth has been allowed to join KAA Gent on loan after scoring just once in 20 appearances for the club.
Palace fans will be screaming out for new players after the club announced that striker Sorloth has joined Belgium side Gent on loan until the end of the season.
The Norwegian No.9 was a squad player and had yet to start in the Premier League this season but, with so few other options available, many Palace fans might be surprised by the club’s decision to allow him to leave, especially with Benteke sidelined by a knee injury.
Sorloth had struggled in the top flight since joining Palace from FC Midtjylland, where he impressed with 15 goals and nine assists in 26 games, but will be looking to recapture his previous form while in Belgium.
Palace are already on the lookout for a new striker and have been linked with Everton striker Oumar Niasse, who has been frozen out at Goodison Park this season. The Senegalese forward has made just five substitute appearances this season for the Toffees under new boss Marco Silva and is expected to be moved on.
READ MORE: Under the radar: Nine centre-forwards and the Premier League clubs that should sign them in January
If he were to sign at Selhurst Park, it would certainly be a case of ‘nice to see you, to see you Niasse’ for the Londoners, who have managed the joint-third worst goal tally in the English top flight this term.
This is despite the fact they are a healthy eighth when looking at shots per game, suggesting a more clinical striker is just what they need. They pulled out of a move to sign Dominic Solanke from Liverpool, who would sign for Bournemouth, and are thought to be looking to bring someone on a free or loan due to the limited funds available.
Palace are also interested in Tammy Abraham, according to the Mirror, after the 21-year-old’s proposed move to Wolves fell through.
The Chelsea striker has scored 16 goals in 20 appearances while on loan at Aston Villa and – as it stands – is set to remain with the Championship club for the rest of the season.
How far can Palace go if they sign a prolific striker?
Nearly every club that is struggling looks to sign a striker in January, which is why this winter window is considered the most difficult to do business in.
However, Palace are in desperate need, highlighted by their FA Cup win over League Two Grimsby Town. The Londoners had 33 shots but only managed to net once when Jordan Ayew headed home a winner with four minutes to go.
Their ‘expected goals’ also stands at a total of 26, compared to the paltry 19 they have actually netted.
If they can improve in front of goal, a top-half finish is definitely possible. But January could be a big month in the club’s season and only time will tell if they can get the man they are after.
The post Crystal Palace’s search for a striker intensifies as Sorloth leaves on loan appeared first on Squawka News.
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