Crystal Palace have taken a major step toward signing Brest defender Raphael Le Guen, 19, as the Eagles push to bolster Pierre Sage’s backline. The Ligue 1 side are set to lose Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea, leaving a defensive void the Eagles aim to fill with Le Guen.
What’s the latest on Le Guen?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Le Guen has already agreed personal terms with Palace and is eager to join the Premier League side. The 19-year-old made his Brest first-team debut in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, racking up six appearances in France’s top flight. Palace must now strike a deal with Brest to complete the transfer before the window slams shut.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 15th in Premier League, 45 pts, 11W-12D-15L from 38 games, recent form LDLDL.
Why does Palace want Le Guen?
With Lacroix’s exit to Chelsea all but confirmed, Sage’s options at centre-back look thin. Le Guen offers youth and potential, though he has limited senior minutes under his belt. Palace’s defensive record last term saw them concede 51 goals, leaving them vulnerable to set-piece lapses and quick counters. Adding a young defender with room to grow fits their long-term plan.
Roma’s interest in Bobb
Elsewhere, Roma are reportedly eyeing Fulham winger Oscar Bobb. The Giallorossi have ties to Bobb’s agency, which could ease a move, but Fulham may hesitate after his quiet start in London. The 23-year-old managed just 16 competitive appearances for Fulham since January without a goal or assist, leaving his future unclear under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
Summerville’s move to Saudi Arabia
Crysencio Summerville has left West Ham for Al-Hilal on a four-year deal worth an initial £55m plus £5m in add-ons. The move ranks as West Ham’s third-highest sale in history, capping a season where Summerville scored seven goals and made three assists in 34 games. The Dutchman joins a Saudi Pro League side stacked with stars like Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves.
What’s next for Palace?
Palace’s next fixture is a tricky away trip to Chelsea on December 2, 2026, when they’ll face a Blues side 10th in the table. With the transfer window still open, Sage will hope to shore up the defence before the squad flies out to face tough early-season tests. The Eagles sit 15th in the final 2025 standings with 45 points, 40 adrift of Arsenal, and their recent form of zero wins and two draws in the last five games leaves little margin for error.
