Crystal Palace establish contact over Juan Cabal move

Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old Colombian international Juan Cabal from Serie A club Juventus in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Tuttosport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Juan Cabal is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back this summer as they scour the market for a long-term replacement for former captain Marc Guehi.

While the South American defender has emerged as a viable target to bolster Crystal Palace’s defensive unit, his ability to play as a left-back makes him an appealing target. Meanwhile, the 2024/25 FA Cup winners have established contact to “evaluate how much they may have to pay for Cabal” in the coming months.

Who is Juan Cabal?

Juan Cabal has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Juventus from Hellas Verona in July 2024. Born in Santiago de Cali, the 25-year-old spent his formative years in Colombia and graduated from the youth division at Atletico Nacional. Since then, the player has risen in prominence during his spell with the Serie A club.

However, the Colombian international has struggled with fitness issues this season, managing only 514 minutes of game time in 19 appearances while missing a dozen games due to various injuries. Nevertheless, Cabal’s stock is high, with Crystal Palace among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

From Serie A to the Premier League soon?

Crystal Palace’s interest in Juan Cabal is understandable. The Eagles have been combing the market for a centre-back since losing Marc Guehi earlier this year. The former Crystal Palace captain joined Manchester City in the winter transfer window, and his departure has left a gaping hole in the defensive unit at Selhurst Park.

Oliver Glasner’s team has struggled due to a lack of quality at the back, and they must sign a top-class central defensive partner for Maxence Lacroix if they shift to a back four after Glasner leaves in the coming months. Several candidates, including Ousmane Diomande, have thus emerged on Crystal Palace’s wishlist, with Cabal also a viable target.

The 25-year-old Colombian international is adept with the ball at his feet, and his ability to play as a left-back will make him an appealing option for the next Crystal Palace manager. With the South London club already establishing contact to discuss a summer move, an adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards for Cabal. However, it is unclear how much Juventus will demand to sell a player who has struggled with fitness issues but has several years on his deal.