Steven N’Zonzi Linked with Crystal Palace Move Amid Stoke Exit Talks
Stoke City midfielder Steven N’Zonzi could be on the verge of leaving the club this summer, with reports suggesting advanced talks are underway for a potential switch to Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old Frenchman, who is of Congolese descent, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave the Potters—though an earlier transfer request was turned down by Stoke management. Despite that initial setback, interest in N’Zonzi remains strong, and a reunion with former manager Tony Pulis at Selhurst Park now appears to be a realistic possibility.
N’Zonzi has been a key figure for Stoke since arriving at the Britannia Stadium from Blackburn Rovers in 2012. Known for his physical presence and composed style in midfield, he has made 120 Premier League appearances and scored six goals over the course of his three seasons with the club.
Stoke have comfortably secured their Premier League status this season, and N’Zonzi’s consistent performances have been widely credited as a crucial part of that success. However, it now seems likely that his future lies elsewhere.
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis, who previously signed N’Zonzi during his own tenure at Stoke, is believed to be keen on bringing the midfielder to south London as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign. Pulis, who steered Palace to top-flight survival against the odds, has a well-documented appreciation for N’Zonzi’s work ethic and tactical intelligence.
If the move goes ahead, it would mark a significant acquisition for Palace and a fresh challenge for N’Zonzi, who once featured for France at youth international level. While he has not yet broken into the senior national side, his Premier League experience and reliable performances have kept him in the spotlight.
Neither club has yet confirmed the status of the negotiations, but sources close to the discussions suggest a deal could be agreed in the coming weeks.
