Securing the future of the Japanese international is an excellent first step in preparing a Europa League ready squad for Pierre Sage.
Daichi Kamada has agreed terms with Crystal Palace on a contract extension which will see him leave the club at the end of next season. Kamada hinted at the possibility of staying in South London after Japan’s World Cup knockout defeat to Brazil.
The midfielder has now put pen to paper on a one year extension, despite receiving offers from numerous clubs, including Premier League rivals. In the official announcement from the club, Kamada shared his thoughts on the deal.
“Thanks for everything. We will get another trophy. I will give my all, I promise. See you soon.”
Short and sweet, exactly what his time at Palace would’ve been had it not been for this extension.
Kamada deal demonstrates club mindset
Extending the Japanese international’s deal was an absolute necessity, especially after Oliver Glasner was announced at Nottingham Forest. The partnership that Kamada developed with Adam Wharton over the course of the last 18 months has been truly transformative for the club, and a key part of the success.
Despite a slow start, as Kamada struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, he is now a vital part of the side, putting in man of the match displays in the biggest of games.
The move also sures up Pierre Sage’s midfield, the Frenchman now relieved of the immediate pressure to go and find a starting quality midfield option to come straight into the side. Whilst the club will likely attempt to invest in this position, there will be less pressure on any incoming signing to perform straight away.
If Palace are to match the ambition of previous years, keeping Adam Wharton will be another huge target.
The key for Sage will be maintaining the core of the squad that was so successful last season, whilst sprinkling in changes he feels necessary.
Wharton x Kamada became one of the most consistent and reliable pivots in the league last season, and was a key reason why Palace won the Conference League.
The demand on those two players to break down the many low blocks faced in the Europa Conference League was a real test of their quality.
Now in Europe’s second tier, the hope is that a more expansive style will be operated, and this partnership has proven that it can cope with almost any challenge it faces.
One year could save millions
Whilst Palace will still be keen to explore the midfield market, with the likes of RC Lens’ Mamadou Sangaré linked, however securing the short-term future of one of the most important players in the playing squad has instantly relieved that demand.
As things stand, the midfield options remain exactly the same for Palace. There remains doubt around the futures of Wharton and also Jefferson Lerma, but the motivation for Palace to keep their squad together should be clear.
The immediate pressure to go and spend big on a starting quality player is relieved somewhat, and instead a younger option could be considered.
Reports from the club have indicated that a number of signings will be made regardless of how much is raised in outgoing funds, and in all honesty, Sage will benefit much more from continuity within the playing squad.
Ultimately though, this is a fantastic piece of business from Palace. Kamada is a vital squad player and is playing at the peak of his powers now. Securing a further season out of him is a brilliant move.
