According to a few reports, Crystal Palace are eyeing a deal that will see the Manchester United defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka return to his former club. Under the Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United had splurged 50 million pounds to secure the signing of The Eagles’ academy graduate in 2019. In his first 2 seasons at the club, the 24-year-old had featured in 69 of the 76 Premier League matches. A good tackler of the ball, Wan-Bissaka quickly got the nickname of “Spider Wan” following his superb individual display against Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling in both the derby ties. Despite having good 1v1 defensive records, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was heavily criticized for his lack of attacking output. With only 2 goals and 8 assists in 2 seasons for The Red Devils, the right-back fell behind the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold, Reece James, and Kyle Walker in England’s right back order with Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier making it a 4-way fight.
Patrick Viera is reportedly open to welcoming back Palace’s player of the year 2018-19 should he cut down his wages. With Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward gradually inching towards their thirties and Nathan Ferguson, Palace’s acquisition from West Brom in 2020 still struggling to maintain fitness, the right-back spot seems to be up for improvement. Should this deal go through, Crystal Palace will be having a solid back four of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Joachim Anderson and AWB.
Wan-Bissaka, a regular starter in the last 2 seasons, has only made 20 league appearances this season with United’s Portuguese right-back, Diogo Dalot getting the nod. Ralf Rangnick wants his full-backs to move forward and keep themselves busy near the opposition penalty box – a style that does not really suit Wan-Bissaka. To make matters worse for the 24-year-old, Man United’s upcoming manager, Erik Ten Hag also likes to have an attacking full-back on his side. With Brandon Wiliams’ loan spell ending at Norwich this summer plus a few transfer rumours hovering around for that particular spot, it would be a wise decision for Wan-Bissaka to get back to his boyhood club.
A chance to play football in a familiar situation to help his game bloom again would be too nice an opportunity for the defender to pass. The same is true for Palace. The club is familiar with the player and understands what he can provide to the team if he can regain his form. If anyone can figure out how to do it, it’s Vieira. People from all over the game have praised him for the manner he has encouraged the younger players in his ranks this season.
With Conor Gallagher, Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell, and Michael Olise as his standout pupils this season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be curious to see what the French manager can do for his game if he returns to Selhurst Park.
