28 February 2024 , 13:25
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Liverpool’s hopes of signing Cheick Doucoure this summer have been handed a massive blow after he signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.
The midfielder has regularly been linked with a move to Anfield. He was identified as a potential recruit last summer after the Reds were beaten to the punch by Chelsea for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
In the end, the Reds signed Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to bolster their midfield options. But Liverpool were still reportedly interested in Doucoure.
A move now appears unlikely, though. The midfielder has signed a new contract with Crystal Palace until 2029 - a two year extension on his previous deal.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, he said: “I’m really happy to commit my future to Crystal Palace – I’ve enjoyed my time here so much already. We have a great group here, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch as quickly as possible to play in front of the supporters of this fantastic football club.”
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Chairman Steve Parish added: “It is brilliant news that Cheick, who was such an outstanding performer for us last season, has signed this new contract.
“We have no doubt that, after such a fantastic start to life in red and blue, Cheick will continue to progress as a player in the years to come, and I couldn’t be happier to see him become the latest player to commit their future to Crystal Palace.”
Doucoure signed for Palace in the summer of 2022 in a £21m deal from French side Lens. The 24-year-old has gone on to make 47 appearances for the Eagles since then but has seen the current campaign hugely impacted by injury.
Cheick Doucoure has signed a new deal with Crystal Palace (Getty Images)Who do you think Liverpool should sign in the summer? Share your suggestions in the comments below
With Doucoure unlikely to become a Liverpool player, that could force the Reds to look at other options heading into the summer. Recent reports have suggested that the Merseysiders are interested in Porto star Alan Varela, who has been valued at around €70 million.
Former Wolves star Ruben Neves has already hailed Varela for his performances. Speaking to O Jogo, he said: “He is an excellent player. It was an excellent signing for Porto, perhaps the team’s most regular reinforcement in terms of time and quality of play.
"He is extremely aggressive, is always very well positioned in defensive balances and, lately, he has been getting a little further forward, making his passing and finishing ability count. He’s already scored two goals. He is very complete and has been one of the most important elements of the team.”
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