Timothy Fosu-Mensah trains with Crystal Palace U21s as he chases comeback

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has taken an important step toward reviving his professional career by training with Crystal Palace’s Under-21s while he searches for a new club.

The 28-year-old defender has been a free agent since leaving Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, having endured a difficult run of injuries that stalled his momentum in Germany.

Fosu-Mensah is no stranger to Selhurst Park, having enjoyed a loan spell with Palace in the 2017/18 season, where he made 24 appearances and impressed with his athleticism and versatility across the back line. Reports indicate he has now completed a tailored fitness programme and is considered physically ready to return to competitive action, raising hopes of a fresh start.

The defender first moved to England in 2014, joining Manchester United from Ajax and going on to make 30 senior appearances before sealing a permanent switch to Leverkusen in 2021. Across his time in the Premier League, he amassed 49 appearances, experience that could appeal to clubs seeking depth and know-how in defence.

Capped three times by the Netherlands at senior level, Fosu-Mensah would be available without a transfer fee, making him a potentially shrewd low-risk option for teams willing to back his fitness and rediscover his early promise.