Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be set for a surprise return to Crystal Palace after a disappointing season at Manchester United. The young right-back was a key player for Palace after coming through the academy at the South London club. But he’s struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford since joining. With United manager Erik Ten Hag reportedly keen to offload him, a return to Selhurst Park could be on the cards.

Wan-Bissaka made his £50 million move to United back in the summer of 2019, but he has failed to live up to his hefty price tag. He played more frequently under former manager Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer, but Erik Ten Hag has preferred Diogo Dalot as his first pick at right-back.

There are even reports that he’d prefer to play Lindelof or Malacia in this position instead of Wan-Bissaka.

As he’s not one of the 14 Manchester United players heading to the World Cup, he’ll be at a training camp in Cadiz, Spain with the other players that haven’t gone to the tournament.

A move back to Palace would make sense for all parties involved. Wan-Bissaka knows the club well having come through the youth academy and he’d be in contention for a starting place as both Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward head further into their thirties.

For Palace, they would get a quality player at a cut-price fee. With Wan-Bissaka’s future at United in doubt, a reunion with Crystal Palace is looking more likely than it did in the summer when he was linked with Mourinho at Roma.

We’ve seen this type of return transfer before at Palace. You only have to look at when Wilfried Zaha left Crystal Palace for Manchester United only to resign permanently for the Eagles less than two years later. Look how that’s turned out. Palace fans will surely be happy to have him back in the squad.

After reports that Christian Benteke was set to join Premier League rivals Wolves, it was announced just before the Arsenal match that he’s signed for MLS side D.C. United. Benteke joined the Eagles back in 2016 from Liverpool for a club-record fee of £32.5 million.

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A post shared by D.C. United (@dcunited)

During his six years at the club, the Belgian scored 37 goals in 177 appearances. Though, the introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard meant that he had less game time last season.

With only a year left on his contract, Palace would’ve wanted to get some money for him rather than letting him leave on a free transfer next year. Patrick Vieira made it sound like it was mainly the player’s choice in his post-match press conference after the match with Arsenal, but it was probably mutual.

“This is something he wanted to do. When players want to play, and you can’t guarantee them time or games, you have to let them go,”

“Christian spent six years at this football club, and he was fantastic for the football club. This is something he wanted to do, and we wish him all the best.”

We can’t see Palace bringing in another striker as Vieira likes to play Zaha as the sole forward sometimes and then there’s obviously Matetea and Edouard. Luke Plange might even get a chance upfront, we’ll have to wait and see.

Here’s a post from Benteke’s Instagram showing his highlights from a decade in the Premier League. He’ll now play for former Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, who is managing D.C. United.

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A post shared by Chris Benteke (@christianbenteke)

Chairman Steve Parish commented on the news: “Christian has played a crucial role in this club’s Premier League journey, making an immediate impact after signing and playing a central role in the squad ever since.

“He’s someone I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with and he’s shown incredible loyalty staying with the club when he could easily have taken other options. We all wish him all the very best with the next stage of his career.”

A month after the summer transfer window opened, Crystal Palace have now completed the deal for the much-talked-about signing of the central defensive midfielder, Cheick Doucoure. The 22-year-old Mali international joins from the French side Lens on a 5-year deal with the final price at £18 million, plus add-ons.

Patrick Vieira and the Palace board had made him the primary target in this transfer window as it looks like Kouyate will be leaving on a free transfer, possibly to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Plus, there’s also talk that club captain Milivojevic could leave this summer too although he’s travelled with the squad to Singapore and Australia for the pre-season tour.

Doucoure will get a lot of game time in the defensive midfield role especially now that James McArthur has been ruled out for the start of the season.

Palace had a bid of £14.5 million rejected earlier in the summer, but they were determined to get their man and have now forked out the price tag that the French Ligue 1 side asked for, plus add-ons.

Here is what the player and club chairman had to say upon signing the deal.

Doucouré said: “I’m very happy, I feel a lot of joy and a lot of pride to be a Palace player. I’m proud to be at Palace today.”

Chairman Steve Parish said: “Cheick’s arrival is yet another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer.

“We are extremely confident that Cheick will adapt seamlessly to the rigours of the Premier League and that he will contribute positively to the squad, and I wish him all the very best for his time with us.”

Cheick Doucouré is Palace ❤️💙#CPFC | @cinchuk pic.twitter.com/OvPD97stF6

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 11, 2022

He is the third signing of the summer after Malcolm Ebiowei and Sam Johnstone arrived. Whilst Luke Plange joined back in January and is now getting some game time in the pre-season matches.

The fact that Palace have signed three midfielders since January makes us think that Conor Gallagher is set to stay at Chelsea. Though, there is talk of bringing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill to Selhurst Park on a loan or permanent deal. Another centre-back is needed in case Guehi or Andersen gets injured.

There will likely be more movement both in and out of the club before the end of the transfer window, and there’s even a chance that Zaha will move away. We’ll keep you up to date.