Crystal Palace are making waves in the January transfer market, and their latest move has the football world buzzing. On January 14, 2026, the Premier League club reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 side Angers for the transfer of 19-year-old forward Sidiki Chérif, a deal that’s poised to break records and reshape both clubs’ immediate futures.
According to multiple sources, including renowned insider Fabrice Hawkins and journalists from RMC Sports and Sky Sports, negotiations between Crystal Palace and Angers have reached the final stages. The agreement covers both the transfer fee and personal terms with Chérif, who is set to sign a long-term contract with the London club. While the official announcement is still pending, all signs point to the deal being finalized within days—a move that will see Chérif become Angers’ most expensive outgoing transfer in history, with the fee believed to be around €25 million, including bonuses.
For Angers, this is a momentous occasion. The club’s previous record sale was Jeff Reine-Adélaïde’s €25 million move to Lyon in the 2019/20 season. By surpassing that figure, the Chérif transfer not only highlights the growing financial muscle of Premier League clubs but also underscores Angers’ ability to develop and showcase top-tier talent on the European stage.
Chérif’s journey is a testament to perseverance and raw potential. A product of the Angers academy, he made his first-team debut at just 16. However, injuries threatened to derail his early progress, forcing him to battle back and prove his worth. This season, he’s done just that, featuring in 17 Ligue 1 matches and netting four goals—an impressive tally given his age and the team’s struggles. Last season, he went goalless in seven league appearances, but his turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.
Versatility is one of Chérif’s calling cards. He’s played both as a central striker and on the left wing for Angers, scoring against heavyweights like Marseille and Monaco. His ability to operate across the front line has attracted attention from several European clubs, including AC Milan, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hamburg, VfB Stuttgart, and even domestic rivals Paris FC. Paris FC, in particular, had submitted a €25 million offer and were considered frontrunners until recently, but ultimately withdrew when it became clear that Chérif’s heart was set on a move to the Premier League.
Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Chérif comes at a critical juncture. The club has endured a difficult run since December, going winless in nine consecutive matches across all competitions. Injuries and absences have taken their toll, with key players like Ismaila Sarr away on international duty and nine others sidelined. The team’s confidence has been shaken by defeats to Manchester City, Leeds, Newcastle, and a shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Macclesfield Town.
Manager Oliver Glasner, whose contract is set to expire later this year, faces mounting pressure as speculation swirls about his future. Meanwhile, star centre-back Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Manchester City, and his potential departure could further destabilize the squad. Against this backdrop, Chairman Steve Parish and the club’s executives have moved decisively in the January window, already securing the signature of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur in a £35 million deal. The addition of Chérif signals Palace’s intent to rebuild and compete in the second half of the season.
Chérif’s market value, estimated at €7 million by Transfermarkt before this transfer, has soared thanks to his performances and the intense competition for his signature. As a France youth international with Guinean heritage, he represents both the present and future for club and country. His contract with Angers was originally set to run until 2028, further emphasizing the club’s reluctance to let him go without a record-breaking fee.
The transfer’s impact extends beyond the two clubs involved. Ligue 1 has long been a fertile ground for Premier League scouts, and Chérif’s move highlights the ongoing trend of young French talents heading to England in search of greater exposure and financial reward. As noted by one report, "Chérif’s departure highlights the trend of young Ligue 1 talents moving to the Premier League during the 2026 winter transfer window." Other Ligue 1 clubs will be watching closely, aware that they too could face similar raids for their brightest prospects.
For Crystal Palace, the signing is not just about immediate results. The club is preparing for possible changes up front, with 28-year-old striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract talks stalling and a summer exit looking increasingly likely. Chérif’s arrival could provide a long-term solution, offering pace, creativity, and a keen eye for goal—qualities that Palace fans have been craving as they look to recapture the momentum that carried them to FA Cup glory last May.
The transfer saga has also had ripple effects elsewhere. Paris FC, after missing out on Chérif, have reportedly turned their attention to Tottenham’s Mathys Tel, hoping to strengthen their own attack before the window closes. Spurs, however, appear reluctant to part with Tel, especially after making his loan move permanent for £30 million last summer.
As the January transfer window draws to a close, all eyes remain on Selhurst Park. The deal for Sidiki Chérif is expected to be finalized imminently, pending final paperwork and official confirmation from both clubs. Palace supporters are eager to see their new signing in action, hopeful that the young Frenchman can inject fresh energy and goals into a squad desperate to reverse its fortunes.
Should the transfer go through as anticipated, it will mark a new chapter for Sidiki Chérif—a chance to test himself in the world’s most competitive league and to help Crystal Palace chart a path back to success. For Angers, it’s a bittersweet farewell to a homegrown star, but one that secures the financial windfall needed to invest in the club’s future. In the high-stakes world of football transfers, this is one story that’s far from over.
