Latest Developments:
- Ecuadorian forward Allen Obando has been garnering interest across the Atlantic.
- Reports suggest Atletico Madrid are on the verge of signing the forward from Barcelona SC.
- However, Crystal Palace are also reportedly among the clubs monitoring him.
Whisper+ Analysis:
Authenticity (3/5): Story comes from the Latin American world
From Inter Miami and AS Monaco to Crystal Palace and Atletico Madrid, the interest for the Ecuador prodigy is soaring across the football world.
According to Latin American sports outlet Bola VIP, even the likes of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are probing the opportunity to sign the 18-year-old attacker. Rumours and reports from the outlet has often gained traction in the transfer market.
Value (3/5): Promising talent with appreciating market worth
Obando’s market value has been on the rise lately, reflecting his performances and potential in the long-term. His current Transfermarkt value stands at approximately £1m. Investing in such a young talent could yield significant returns, both on the field and financially.
Suitability (3/5): Starting from the bottom
Obando has been termed as a versatile centre-forward with a strong work rate. As a young, tall and powerful forward with the ability to face more experienced defensive markers, he can generate opportunities for himself.
This makes the Premier League a potentially perfect fit for his development, even if he spent some significant time on the fringes at first.
Upgrade (1.5/5): Not an immediate upgrade
There is nobody in the Palace squad that he could immediately displace, though the links to Atletico and other European giants imply that he could be an upgrade for Palace in a few years' time, if his development in the interim is handled properly.
Logic (2.5/5): No easing short-term issues
While the opportunity to star for Crystal Palace in the Premier League would be a strategic move aimed at long-term success, there's still much room to question the short-term logic.
With 30 points on the board so far, survival already seems virtually assured. However, a fair chunk of their nine draws could easily be wins with more attacking verve, and so getting a truly battle-ready solution to address this will be of far greater concern in the summer.
Whisper+ Verdict: 12/25
We're excited but sceptical about this, and the language barrier might well nudge him in the direction of Atletico, especially as a long-term successor to one of the Rojiblancos' most potent modern-day strikers, Antoine Griezmann, will be needed around two years from now.
And while Crystal Palace's interest in Obando makes sense in some respects, the competition from other clubs highlights the challenges mid-tier European clubs face in securing emerging talents.
