Crystal Palace and West Ham failed with late Alieu Njie transfer bids

Crystal Palace and West Ham United both made attempts to sign Alieu Njie during the summer transfer window, but the Torino winger ultimately rejected the opportunity to move to the Premier League in favour of Fiorentina.

Njie completed a move to Fiorentina on August 30, joining on an initial loan deal which includes a conditional €16 million obligation to buy. However, his agent Sandro Martone has now revealed just how much competition La Viola faced for the 21-year-old.

Crystal Palace’s interest in Njie had been reported throughout the final weeks of the window. Torino reportedly rejected an initial proposal from the Eagles and were demanding around €20 million for the winger.

According to Martone, Palace returned at the very last moment with a significantly improved proposal.

Speaking to Viola News, the agent revealed that Crystal Palace submitted a new offer on the morning Njie was undergoing his medical with Fiorentina.

“Between late July and early August, Salzburg had come very close to finalising the signing,” Martone explained. “Then there was Crystal Palace, in addition to an official offer submitted by West Ham to Torino.”

Palace’s final attempt was particularly notable because they were prepared to match the financial package Fiorentina had agreed with Torino.

“On the very morning of his medical exam with Fiorentina, by which time the deal with La Viola had already finalised, the English club sent Torino a new offer matching Paratici’s figure,” Martone said.

Despite that late intervention, Njie had already made his decision.

“The young player’s style is a great fit for the Premier League, but Alieu made a clear choice: he really wanted to join Fiorentina.”

West Ham were another serious contender for Njie, with Martone confirming that the Hammers submitted an official proposal to Torino.

However, neither London club could convince the winger to abandon his preference for Fiorentina.

Martone believes moving to Florence gives Njie an ideal environment to continue his development before potentially making another major move later in his career.

“Doing well at Fiorentina represents the perfect springboard,” he said. “Doing well at Fiorentina means opening the doors to a top club.”

The agent also highlighted Njie’s physical and technical qualities, suggesting the 21-year-old has the attributes required to eventually reach the highest level.

For Crystal Palace and West Ham, though, the opportunity has passed for now. Both clubs were prepared to make a serious move, but Njie’s preference for Fiorentina ultimately decided the transfer.

Njie will now focus on establishing himself at Fiorentina and proving his agent’s belief that the club can be a springboard towards the European elite. Crystal Palace and West Ham could continue monitoring his progress, but a future move would likely become considerably more expensive if Fiorentina’s purchase obligation is activated and Njie impresses in Serie A.