Crystal Palace is reportedly in talks to sign a new striker who possesses similar qualities to Jean-Philippe Mateta, a player known for his lethal finishing and impressive skills on the pitch. The player in question is Hwang Hee-Chan, a Wolverhampton Wanderers forward who has been linked with a loan move to Selhurst Park.

Why Hwang Hee-Chan?

– Similarity to Mateta: Hwang’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Mateta, particularly in terms of his goalscoring ability. Mateta has been a standout performer for Palace, scoring 47 goals in 154 appearances, including a crucial goal in the Community Shield comeback against Liverpool.

– Goalscoring Prowess: Hwang has shown flashes of brilliance at Wolves, with 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances last season. However, his form has dipped recently, with only two goals in 26 competitions this season.

– Loan Move: The proposed loan deal would be worth £14 million, providing Palace with a temporary solution to their striker needs while giving Hwang an opportunity to regain his form.

Potential Impact on Crystal Palace

– Filling the Void: Hwang’s arrival would help fill the gap left by potential departures, including Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been linked with several top clubs, including Manchester United and Barcelona.

– Competition for Places: The signing of Hwang would create competition for places in Palace’s attacking lineup, potentially pushing other strikers to perform better.

– Tactical Flexibility: Hwang’s versatility would give Oliver Glasner more options in attack, allowing him to experiment with different formations and strategies.

Other Potential Targets for Crystal Palace

– Bilal El Khannouss: Palace has also been linked with El Khannouss, a 21-year-old Moroccan midfielder from Leicester City, as a potential replacement for Eberechi Eze, who is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

– Jakub Kiwior: The club has also been interested in signing Kiwior, a centre-back, if Marc Guehi decides to leave for Liverpool ¹ ².