Crystal Palace have signed midfielder, Cheick Doucoure from Lens for an initial £15.2m transfer fee.
Doucoure began his career in 2016 with AS Real Bamako before joining Lens the following year, where he made eight appearances for Lens’ Reserve team in 2017-18 season.
His performances ultimately proved impressive as he secured a permanent promotion to their senior team ahead of 2018-19 season where he went on to score eight goals in 128 first-team appearances.
During his time at Lens, Doucoure also helped the club win promotion as Ligue 2 runners-up in a Coronavirus-hit 2019-20 season, in which the last ten league fixtures of the campaign were cancelled due to the worldwide lockdown.
Speaking about his decision to sign for Palace on a five year-contract, Doucoure 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.”
Doucoure is Palace’s third signing of this summer’s transfer window following the arrivals of Malcom Ebiowei and Sam Johnstone.
Chairman, Steve Parish has consequently proceeded to describe the 22 year-old’s arrival as “… yet another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer.”
On what is expected of Doucoure this season, Parish added: “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.”
Palace have paid an initial £15.2m transfer fee for Doucoure but add-ons could see the club pay up to £22m in total.
Internationally, Doucoure plays for Mali where he has made eight senior appearances without scoring since making his debut in November 2018, having received his maiden call-up a month earlier.
Doucoure could make his competitive debut for Palace on Friday 5 August at Selhurst Park, as the Eagles host Arsenal in the opening match of the 2022-23 Premier League season live on Sky Sports.
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