Patrick Vieira has won his case. The Crystal Palace manager had made it a priority to recruit 22-year-old Cheick Doucouré, who has been with RC Lens since 2017, to strengthen his midfield.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup winner was impressed by the youngster’s strength and consistency with the Blood-and-Gold club, and asked his management for an effort. And the Eagles finally responded favourably.
After several weeks of negotiations, the Londoners have agreed with the Artesians on a transfer of the Malian international (8 caps) for €23m plus €5m in bonuses. “Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Lens midfielder Cheick Doucouré, subject to international clearance. The Mali international joins the Eagles on a five-year deal as Patrick Vieira continues to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of winger Malcolm Ebiowei and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone,” it read.
The Bamako native, who has made 67 appearances for RCL in Ligue 1, will be making his Premier League debut. The Stade Félix-Bollaert residents already have his successor in the person of another academician, Salis Abdul Ahmed (22), who was recruited a few days ago from Clermont.
After putting pen to paper in South London, Doucouré said: “I am very happy, I feel a lot of joy and a lot of pride to be a Palace player. I am proud to be at Palace today.”
Commenting on the deal, chairman Steve Parish said: “Cheick’s arrival is another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer. We are extremely confident that Cheick will adapt seamlessly to the rigours of the Premier League and make a positive contribution to the team, and I wish him the very best for his time with us.”
