According to an update by Pete O’Rourke, Ruben Kluivert is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are eager to reinforce their defensive unit by signing a centre-back before the winter transfer window shuts down. So, the 24-year-old Lyon defender has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.
Crystal Palace recently held talks with the Ligue 1 club to sign the Dutchman services in the final hours of the winter transfer window. However, Lyon will attempt to block Kluivert’s departure, as they do not wish to part ways with the former FC Utrecht prospect midway through the 2025/26 season.
Ruben Kluivert has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Lyon from Casa Pia last summer. The son of legendary former Dutch footballer Patrick Kluivert and the younger brother of Bournemouth playmaker Justin Kluivert, the 24-year-old spent his formative years in the Netherlands and graduated from the youth division at FC Utrecht.
As for Kluivert’s stint with Lyon, the Dutch centre-back has made 18 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit thus far while chipping in with two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature before the winter transfer window shuts down.
Crystal Palace’s interest in Ruben Kluivert makes sense. The Eagles have been scouring the market for a centre-back since losing Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City last month. The English international has left a gaping hole in the Crystal Palace defensive unit, with Oliver Glasner having only four recognised centre-backs in his squad.
So, it is hardly surprising that the 2024/25 FA Cup winners are keen on signing a centre-back, with Ethan Pinnock among the latest players to emerge on their wishlist. However, Kluivert is also a viable target for Crystal Palace, with the South London club recently holding talks with Lyon over a last-gasp deal.
Crystal Palace would have hoped that the talks with Lyon over a deal for Kluivert concluded successfully, as they already failed with a bid to sign Joel Ordonez. However, a winter move for the 24-year-old Dutchman will not materialise, as the Ligue 1 giants have no interest in parting ways with him before the transfer deadline.
