Crystal Palace Joins West Ham, Rivals in Chasing Saman Ghoddos

Crystal Palace has joined the race for Ostersund striker Saman Ghoddos.

The Iranian international is on the radar of a number of English clubs after impressing in the Swedish side’s Europa League last-32 tie against Arsenal.

Ghoddos did show against Arsenal that he can be a threat against some very good sides; he provided two assists in the second-leg, Mirror reported.

West Ham, Southampton, West Brom and Brighton are also eying the Iranian frontman.

Ghoddos, 24, will cost in excess of £5 million ($7m) after Ostersund rejected a January bid of that value from Celta Vigo and since he has been in such good form lately, it is difficult to imagine that Ostersunds will not be looking for significantly more if he continues to impress.

It comes a couple of weeks after Palace signed goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri. The former Liverpool stopper, 35, was a free agent after being released by Fluminense in his native Brazil at the end of the 2017 season.

He links up with Roy Hodgson once again, having previously worked briefly under the Palace manager at Liverpool in 2010.

Now Hodgson is eying a move for Ghoddos who scored eight league goals in 23 games last season.

It would undoubtedly be something of a gamble to pay a seven-figure sum, if Ostersunds is not looking for even more, for a player that has spent his entire career in Sweden and has not exactly proved to be the most prolific goalscorer.

 In Retrospect

Born and brought up in Malmo, Sweden, Ghoddos started his youth career in his hometown but only made a name for himself at Syrianska FC, where he spent a successful year before he was signed by Ostersunds in 2016.

He took no time to establish himself in the first team at Jamtkraft Arena. He has had four appearances for Iran and is one of the most important players in Team Melli.

Known for his pace and ability to beat defenders in a foot race with ease, Ghoddos is also a physically imposing striker, who loves to play on the shoulder of the final defender. He can run in behind the back line or position himself for crosses and is usually deadly in front of goal. He can hurt opponents if given any space in the final third and his technique, balance and touch make him that much more dangerous.