Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Graham Potter plots Chelsea revenge after lining up new Prem job and choosing first transfer target

Graham Potter of Chelsea

Graham Potter could become the new manager of Crystal Palace this summer and sign a Chelsea player in the process, according to reports.

Potter got the biggest job of his career yet when Chelsea appointed him as their successor to Thomas Tuchel back in September. However, things did not work out for the former Brighton boss at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea sacked Potter in April after just over half a season in charge. Understandably, the respected tactician has needed time to recharge since.

There have been suggestions that he could move abroad with French outfit, Nice, or even become a candidate to be the next Tottenham manager.

However, an update from Foot Mercato has revealed – in addition to being on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s radar for Nice – that Potter is ‘in talks’ to take over at Crystal Palace.

Roy Hodgson restored a sense of positivity at Selhurst Park after replacing Patrick Vieira earlier this year. There have even been claims that the veteran manager could stay on for another season.

But before Palace’s last match of 2022-23, Hodgson indicated he wasn’t expecting to be on the touchline again next season.

Therefore, the Eagles will have to look for a new manager, and Potter might be their answer – despite his past with their rivals, Brighton.

READ MORECrystal Palace ‘closing in’ on Premier League free agent as ‘final details’ of bargain deal are discussed

Per Foot Mercato, Palace are not concerned by Potter’s ill-fated spell with Chelsea and subsequently would love to appoint the 48-year-old. His own stance on the job, though, is yet to be revealed.

Besides, there are yet to be any significant claims of a similar nature from closer to home.

Palace finished one place above Chelsea in the final 2022-23 Premier League table, earning one more point than them to end up in 11th.

Crystal Palace linked with Chelsea prospect

Coincidentally, Palace are already being linked with a Chelsea player ahead of what could be Potter’s first summer transfer window.

According to the Daily Mail, Lewis Hall has become a target in south London. Potter gave him his Premier League debut for Chelsea back in November.

The Chelsea academy graduate can play at left-back or in midfield. However, there are fears he might not have as much responsibility under Mauricio Pochettino.

Therefore, a loan spell away from Stamford Bridge might be suitable. And per the Mail, Palace would gladly take him on board.

The British tabloid’s report does not make reference to the fact that Potter could be in contention for the Palace job.

Though there is a reminder that the same club took Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea a couple of years ago. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another player who developed over a similar spell previously.

Hall remains under contract with Chelsea until 2025, so might need to extend his deal before being loaned out. That way, his parent club wouldn’t be at risk when he would return from his spell away.

He has made 12 appearances for the first team at Chelsea to date.

READ MORE – Chelsea transfers: Pochettino seals exciting first signing for £65m as Boehly pays way over asking price for star