Crystal Palace and Brighton offered “world-class” striker as club green-light exit

Crystal Palace and rivals Brighton have been offered the chance to sign a prolific centre-forward as the summer transfer window approaches.

Palace’s summer is taking shape, and the ambition is clear.

The Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on Wednesday night represents the most important fixture in the club’s history, but behind the scenes the recruitment team have been working at full pace regardless of what happens in Germany.

The managerial situation remains the most pressing issue.

Andoni Iraola is the Palace board’s top target, but Bayer Leverkusen’s reliably reported interest in the Bournemouth boss has only complicated things further.

Discussions have been held with former Flamengo coach Filipe Luis too (talkSPORT), while Robbie Keane’s decision to step down at Ferencvaros earlier this week has reignited links to a manager Palace had identified as a candidate back in February.

Oliver Glasner will leave after the final, and whoever replaces him will inherit a squad that needs significant work.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly closing in on a permanent move to AC Milan, with Corriere dello Sport describing negotiations as being at a “very advanced stage.”

That departure will leave a gap up front that needs filling urgently.

Now, a name has landed on Steve Parish’s desk, and this one carries serious credentials.

Crystal Palace and Brighton offered Jonathan David on loan

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Baileyintermediaries working on behalf of Jonathan David have contacted Crystal Palace and Brighton among a group of Premier League clubs to gauge interest in a loan deal for the Juventus striker.

The ‘world-class’ 26-year-old is available for a temporary move this summer after a disappointing first season in Turin, and Juventus are open to a loan structure that could include either an option or an obligation to buy.

David arrived at Juventus on a free transfer from Lille last July, signing a five-year contract until 2030 after being courted by half of Europe.

His pedigree was beyond question — 109 goals in 232 appearances for Lille across five seasons, 75 caps and 39 goals for Canada, and a reputation as one of the most clinical finishers outside the Premier League.

But his debut campaign in Serie A has fallen flat. Eight goals across all competitions — six in the league, two in the Champions League — from 34 appearances represents a significant drop-off, and Juventus have already begun reshaping their forward line.

For Palace, the appeal is obvious.

If Mateta leaves, a proven international striker with David’s movement, versatility and goalscoring record — even accounting for a difficult year — would represent a significant upgrade on most alternatives available in the market.

A loan structure reduces the financial risk, and David’s desire to test himself in the Premier League is understood to be genuine.

Brighton’s interest adds competition from a club with a well-established track record of identifying and developing attacking talent. Fabian Hurzeler’s side could also offer potential Europa League football — a significant card to play in any negotiation.

Palace, sitting 15th, cannot match that domestically, but if they win in Leipzig on Wednesday they would qualify for next season’s Europa League group stage, transforming the pitch entirely.

That is why the final matters beyond the trophy itself. European football changes everything — recruitment, revenue, the calibre of player willing to walk through the door.

David is exactly the kind of signing that becomes possible when a club can offer continental competition. Without it, Palace are fishing in a smaller pond.