Crystal Palace eye Sidiki Chérif as Angers admit January exit

Crystal Palace are closely monitoring developments in France as Angers SCO manager Alexandre Dujeux has openly admitted teenage striker Sidiki Chérif is expected to leave the club during the January transfer window.

Interest from Selhurst Park has been building steadily. On Christmas Day, French outlet Le Parisien reported Palace’s “considerable” interest in the 19-year-old, before further claims on New Year’s Eve suggested the Premier League side are serious contenders — provided they meet Angers’ valuation of more than €25m.

German publication Bild have now added Crystal Palace to the picture while covering Eintracht Frankfurt’s attacking recruitment plans. The Bundesliga side are actively working on multiple forward options and have identified Chérif as a primary target.

Eintracht are reportedly exploring a loan deal with an option to buy, but Bild caution that Palace could “intervene” and derail any move by pushing for a permanent transfer — something Angers are believed to prefer.

Alongside Palace, Paris FC are also keen and have already seen two offers rejected.

According to Bild, Angers are holding firm on a valuation close to €30m, with around €25m required as a guaranteed fee. That stance makes a loan-based proposal unattractive and places Premier League clubs in a stronger position to act.

Chérif’s situation was addressed directly by Angers head coach Dujeux, who conceded the club are preparing for life without their standout attacker.

“With the offers we have, we expect Sidiki Chérif to leave. That’s how it is, I’ve accepted it,” he said, via Ouest-France. “When? That’s another question. But he’s a very important player who will certainly leave us. It’s important for the long-term viability of the club.

“It’s not good news for me as the coach, but for the club, it’s essential.”

Crystal Palace’s interest aligns closely with their recent recruitment model under head coach Oliver Glasner — targeting high-upside attackers before their valuation escalates further.

Having followed Palace’s transfer strategy over recent windows, the club have shown a willingness to act decisively when profiles match long-term planning. Chérif’s age, physical profile and goal threat make him a clear fit for that approach, particularly if Angers insist on a straight sale.

However, it remains to be seen whether Palace will move quickly or allow rivals to set the market first.

With Angers openly accepting Chérif’s departure, negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Palace may need to act early if they wish to avoid a bidding war, especially with Bundesliga and Ligue 2 interest growing. Any formal move is likely to hinge on whether the Eagles are prepared to meet Angers’ fixed-fee demands.

Would Sidiki Chérif be a smart long-term gamble for Crystal Palace — or is the €25m price tag already too steep?