Crystal Palace show interest in signing Ilaix Moriba from RB Leipzig

Crystal Palace have shown interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Ilaix Moriba and made contact with the German club for the player, according to Santi Aouna.

Palace coach Patrick Vieira is pushing for the move and has contacted the player to convince him about the transfer. It is not yet clear if the Eagles are seeking a permanent transfer or a loan deal.

Palace only have Will Hughes and James McArthur in central midfield. It is unsurprising that the former OGC Nice boss is looking for midfield reinforcements and he has turned to the Guinean international for cover.

Moriba joined Leipzig from Barcelona for €16 million and €6m in add-ons last summer. Barcelona also reserved the right to 10% of any future sale.

The move seemed like a win-win for all parties. Barcelona get a good sum, the player joins a club that is known for allowing young players a chance to shine, and Leipzig get a young talent with immense potential. This didn’t exactly pan out that way.

Moriba struggled adapt and break into Jesse Marsch’s team in the first six months. The 19-year-old ultimately had to leave on loan in January.

He moved back to Spain to join Valencia on loan and spent the rest of the season there. Moriba made 18 appearances under Jose Bordalas.

A move to Palace under a coach that has shown that he can nurture young talents will do Moriba a world of good.

After joining Barcelona in 2010, Moriba impressed through the youth divisions. He made his debut for the senior team in the 2020/21 season under Ronald Koeman.

Moriba is the fifth youngest scorer in Barca’s history. However, after failing to sign a new contract with the club, he left for Leipzig where his progress has stalled. A move to Palace could rejuvenate his career and help him fulfil his potential.

Moriba could become the club’s fifth signing of the summer after Cheick Doucoure, Chris Richards, Sam Johnston and Malcolm Ebiowei.