Crystal Palace to seek attacking reinforcements as Ismaila Sarr head to AFCON

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed plans to reinforce his squad during the January transfer window as the Africa Cup of Nations looms.

The AFCON, scheduled from December 21 to January 18, will see several Premier League clubs lose key African internationals for multiple weeks.

For Palace, this includes forwards Ismaila Sarr and Christantus Uche, who will be unavailable while representing Senegal and Nigeria, respectively.

“It could be that Ismaila Sarr and Christantus Uche go to AFCON. We are looking and preparing,” Glasnser said after Palace’s 0-0 draw with Brighton on Sunday.

“If we could add a player in the January window, that would help a little bit. We need one or two. But I trust this group of players to show up when we need them.”

While favourites such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco might influence early exits for some nations, Sarr and Uche are expected to miss several weeks, leaving Palace short of attacking options.

Palace’s upcoming fixtures in early January include Fulham, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, all teams challenging for European spots.

Glasner will rely on reinforcements and the remaining squad to maintain competitiveness during the congested period.

The club’s 0-0 draw with Brighton highlighted ongoing struggles, marking the sixth game this season across all competitions in which Palace failed to score.

With two key forwards set to depart for AFCON, the need for fresh attacking options is urgent.

Glasner’s January signings are expected to provide cover and maintain the club’s Premier League ambitions during the critical midseason stretch.