Crystal Palace are considering an approach to sign Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque this summer, according to Football Insider.Â
The lowdown: Career so far
Signed from Clermont Foot in 2018 for £1.8million (Transfermarkt), Ajorque has spent his entire career in France having come through the ranks at Angers as a youngster.
The 28-year-old frontman has amassed 257 career outings altogether, directly contributing to 108 goals in that time, and was part of the Strasbourg side that lifted the French League Cup in 2018/19, his only team accolade to date.
Now, having previously been a target for West Ham, Ajorque is seemingly back on the agenda in the Premier League and the Eagles are among the suitors…
The latest: ‘Plotting moves’
As per Football Insider, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Newcastle United are all believed to be ‘plotting moves’ to sign the uncapped Frenchman.
It’s claimed that the towering centre-forward is a ‘target for a number of clubs across Europe’ this summer following an impressive Ligue 1 campaign.
The report also states that Strasbourg president Marc Keller would sanction a sale during the ongoing window and Palace officials are preparing to watch the defender – who was described as a ‘beast physically’ by journalist Alessandro Schiavone – in action against Liverpool next weekend.
The verdict: Make it happen
Despite the capture and subsequent instant impact of Odsonne Edouard last season, ultimately the strike-force in situ at Selhurst Park flattered to deceive once again in 2021/22 as Wilfried Zaha topped the scoring charts with 15 goals, finishing ahead of the eight strikes managed by midfield loanee Conor Gallagher.
Edouard himself, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke were all given ample opportunities to make centre-forward position their own in Vieira’s plans, without ever truly doing enough to warrant a lengthy run in the side, leading to question marks as to whether Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman may delve into the market.
With speculation linking Benteke with a move away from southeast London, suddenly the need for reinforcements becomes all the more apparent and Ajorque represents a wholly viable candidate.
Standing at a monstrous 6 foot 4, the £14.4million valued hitman can emulate much of the 6 foot 3 Benteke’s physicality whilst also coming off the back of an outstanding 12 goal and eight assist campaign in Ligue 1.
In fact, Ajorque has been showcasing his prowess in front of goal for some time now, comfortably outperforming his xG data in 2020/21, 2019/20 and 2018/19, proof of an adept finisher who appears to be ready to take the next step in his career.
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