Crystal Palace are on the verge of signing Croatian international Borna Sosa from Ajax. The deal is reportedly worth around £3 million. Sosa has already been granted permission to travel to the UK and is scheduled to undergo a medical.
The 27-year-old left-back's move comes after a disappointing spell with Ajax, who he joined in 2023 from Stuttgart. He spent last season on loan at Torino, making 20 appearances. Ajax has reportedly informed Sosa that he is free to leave, and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is eager to work with him again. Glasner knows Sosa well from their time together in the Bundesliga.
Sosa is an established member of the Croatia national team, with 26 senior caps since his debut in 2021. He is known for his attacking and defensive abilities, as well as his impressive passing range. He can play as both a left-back and a left wing-back.
Crystal Palace are looking to add depth at left-back ahead of their first-ever involvement in European competition. It remains unclear whether they will compete in the Europa League or Conference League. Tyrick Mitchell was the first choice in that position last season. Ben Chilwell also deputized in the second half of the campaign while on loan from Chelsea.
Sosa's previous stint at Stuttgart saw him make 115 appearances, scoring five goals and providing 35 assists. He was often praised for his crossing ability and attacking instincts. Crystal Palace are aiming to build on a strong end to last season and view Sosa as a player who can add attacking threat and technical quality to their left-back position.
The signing of Sosa would be Crystal Palace's second summer signing, following the arrival of goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free transfer. The club is also reportedly exploring the opportunity to sign an Arsenal player as part of a deal for Eberechi Eze, who is a target for Arsenal. Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande is another player who has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park.
Glasner is looking to bolster his squad with familiar and experienced talent, and Sosa fits the bill. While his time at Ajax was underwhelming, Sosa's performances in Germany were far more impressive. The potential move to Crystal Palace offers Sosa a chance to restart his career in the Premier League.
