Transfer Centre

Crystal Palace bidding to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Ilaix Moriba?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 05 August 2022

Crystal Palace bidding to sign Ilaix Moriba?

Crystal Palace are reportedly bidding to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Ilaix Moriba before the end of the summer transfer window.

Crystal Palace have reportedly identified RB Leipzig midfielder Ilaix Moriba as a summer transfer target.

Ahead of Friday's Premier League opener with Arsenal on Friday night, Patrick Vieira has made four first-team additions to his first-team squad.

Sam Johnstone, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure and Malcolm Ebiowei are all expected to challenge for regular starting roles this campaign.

However, Vieira is in the market for multiple fresh signings ahead of the start of September, and it appears that an attempt is being made to sign one of European football's biggest prospects.

According to Foot Mercato, Vieira is interested in securing the services of Moriba for the 2022-23 campaign.

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira reacts on February 23, 2022 © Reuters

Despite not being due to turn 20 years of age until January, Moriba has already spent time with three of European football's most high-profile clubs since his introduction to the senior ranks.

Moriba turned down the opportunity to pen a long-term contract at Barcelona earlier in his career, eventually departing Camp Nou with five starts and 13 substitute appearances to his name.

The Guinea international eventually signed for RB Leipzig last August, only to move out on loan to Valencia five months later after making just six substitute outings during the first half of 2021-22.

Moriba was finally given regular game time at the Mestalla, making nine starts and five substitute outings in La Liga to get his career back on track.

RB Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco on April 7, 2022 © Reuters

Leipzig boss Domenico Tedesco must now decide whether he is prepared to part ways with Moriba on a permanent or temporary basis.

Palace are in need of at least one more central midfielder with Conor Gallagher, last season's star man, having returned to parent club Chelsea.

According to the report, Vieira has already spoken to Moriba about a move to Selhurst Park, although the youngster is expected to have offers from elsewhere should he be made available for transfer.

Moriba currently has three years remaining on his contract at the Bundesliga side.