da betsson： Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw has told the print edition of Het Nieuwsblad (via Sport Witness) that he held talks with Crystal Palace during the transfer window.
The lowdown
da fazobetai： Bornauw sealed a £12.15million transfer from FC Koln to VfL Wolfsburg back in July.
The 6 foot 3 22-year-old had made 24 appearances for Koln the previous season, helping them avoid relegation through the play-off.
His average of 4.2 clearances per 90 minutes ranked him eighth in the Bundesliga, while he was in the top 20 for successful aerial duels with 2.7 (via WhoScored).
Palace ultimately added two centre-backs – Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen – to their ranks over the summer for a combined fee of £36.75million.
The latest
Reflecting on the events of the summer, Bornauw explained that the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Wolfsburg was too good to turn down.
He’s also confident the Volkswagen Arena is an ideal place for a young player to develop.
“I also spoke to English clubs, and one day I want to play in the Premier League,” he said, naming Crystal Palace and Norwich City as the two suitors.
“But when Wolfsburg knocked on the door, I was immediately won over by their project.
“This club makes young people better; we aspire to the top three and play Champions League.”
The verdict
Wolfsburg’s place in Europe’s elite football competition was always likely to prove a trump card in negotiations, but Palace can be pleased with their business in the centre-back department regardless.
Andersen and Guehi both enjoyed impressive 2020/21 seasons and have the potential to form an excellent partnership.
If 21-year-old Guehi reaches his full potential and makes a step up to a top club in the coming years, perhaps Palace could revive their interest in Bornauw, who does fancy taking on the Premier League one day.
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