Striker leaves Sunderland for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Football Club have announced the signing of Sunderland striker Connor Wickham.
The Englishman has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Selhurst Park after the two teams agreed on a transfer fee which is officially undisclosed, but believed to be around £7million, which could rise to £9m with add-ons and bonuses.
The 22-year-old leaves The Black Cats after scoring just 18-goals in the past two seasons, but he was instrumental in them surviving in the Premier League two years ago, when he scored five goals in their remaining three games.
However, last season he struggled to recapture that form and goalscoring touch.
After arriving at the London club, Wickham spoke to the club’s official website and discussed his move to Alan Pardew‘s side.
Player Statement
“I spoke to the gaffer last week and he said all the right things about the club and I’ve got friends here who also told me some very good things,” he said.
“I looked at the team before I arrived here and the signings that have been brought in, and the potential to score goals and the chances that could be created was a massive influence. Hopefully I can add to that talent and make the squad stronger.
“I think I needed the fresh start, I had four years up north and it’s been a bit stop-start. Now I’ve come back home and I can settle down and see my family a bit more and hopefully let my football do the talking.”
Wickham becomes Palace‘s second-striker signing after they captured Patrick Bamford on loan from Chelsea for the season.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
