Patrick Vieira and Crystal Palace are set for an audacious summer swoop for Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards.
According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace are seeking an ambitious summer swoop for Bayern Munich starlet Chris Richards in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks in the United States, making his name for MLS side FC Dallas. He attended a trial at German giants Bayern in 2018 and earned himself a one-year loan. Richards did well enough to make the move permanent, and he has been at the Allianz Arena since.
Primarily a centre-back, the United States international is capable of playing anywhere across the backline. Richards spent last season on loan at TSG Hoffenheim and put in an impressive shift as they finished ninth in the league. He made 34 appearances for Die Kraichgauer, scoring one goal and making two assists in all competitions.
Richards’ performances have not gone unnoticed at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace have enjoyed a promising season under Patrick Vieira and will be keen to build upon their success this summer. One area that the Eagles are keen to address is their defence, and Richards is one of the names under consideration to be brought in.
The arrivals of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen provided Vieira with two young centre-back prospects last summer. The duo has done well as only six teams have conceded fewer goals than Palace in the Premier League in 2021/22. Bringing in Richards will add quality and depth to a rearguard that is looking increasingly formidable.
The USMNT ace is a solid presence both on the ground and in the air. He also excels at tackling and has put in performances that camouflage his young age. Under the right guidance, he has the minerals to develop into a reliable centre-back for a top European club.
Bayern, for their part, have little reason to let the 22-year-old leave for the Premier League. The German champions have been less than solid at the back and will also have to contend with the departure of Niklas Sule to Borussia Dortmund. Dayot Upamecano has so far enjoyed a mixed time in red, and Julian Nagelsmann might decide to hand Richards an opportunity or two.
A move for the American is certainly an ambitious one for Crystal Palace and it remains to be seen if they can pull it off. Swapping Munich for London is with all due respect, a step-down. Richards could do well to stay put at the Allianz Arena and make a case for regular first-team football. After all, he returns to Bayern this summer a much-improved player.
