Crystal Palace failed with late Alieu Njie hijack as winger explains Fiorentina decision

Crystal Palace came close to signing Alieu Njie during the summer transfer window, but the winger has revealed the Eagles ultimately arrived too late to change his mind.

Njie emerged from Torino’s academy before breaking into the first team in 2024. Despite registering only one goal and one assist in 447 minutes last season, Palace identified the 19-year-old as a player with significant potential.

The Eagles reportedly made several attempts to sign him before he eventually joined Fiorentina on loan with an obligation to buy.

Palace initially offered Torino €10million plus €7m in bonuses before increasing the guaranteed amount to around €12-13m.

Torino continued to resist their approaches, however, and Njie eventually moved towards a switch to Fiorentina.

Speaking to Expressen, the Sweden Under-21 international admitted Palace had been a genuine option.

“I was close some days, but Torino rejected their offer every time,” Njie said.

The situation even took another twist while the winger was travelling to Florence for his medical.

Njie revealed that Crystal Palace tried to hijack the transfer at the final stage, but by then his decision had already been made.

“When I was on my way to Florence to do my medical, they tried to hijack me,” he explained.

“But I told them it would be Fiorentina or nothing. They wanted to make one last attempt, but I had decided on Fiorentina. They were too late.”

Njie admitted the decision was difficult because he had originally been interested in leaving Italian football.

However, Fiorentina’s proposal ultimately convinced him to remain in Serie A.

Njie has registered one assist in his first four appearances for Fiorentina and says he already feels comfortable at his new club.

The youngster highlighted Fiorentina’s young squad and long-term project as major factors behind his decision.

“The project they sold was very exciting,” Njie said. “A young team with great talent and great potential.”

He also revealed that working under Paolo Vanoli played an important role.

“It meant a lot that Paolo Vanoli is the coach. It’s a perfect step for me.”

Palace therefore came seriously close to landing another highly-rated young talent, but their inability to reach an agreement with Torino earlier in the window ultimately proved costly.

Njie will now focus on establishing himself at Fiorentina, where his loan includes an obligation to buy.

For Crystal Palace, his comments confirm their interest went considerably further than simple scouting. The Eagles made repeated attempts to secure the teenager and were still pushing at the final stage of his transfer.

Whether Palace return for Njie in the future remains to be seen, but for now the winger has made it clear he believes Fiorentina was the right choice for his development.