Crystal Palace man wanted by EFL side on a permanent basis

30/04/2024 09:24

AFC Wimbledon are keen on signing Crystal Palace defender Kofi Balmer on a permanent deal this summer, as detailed in a report by London News Online.

AFC Wimbledon signed the centre-back on loan for the second-half of the season.

Balmer, 23, played 17 games in all competitions for the League Two side but is now heading back to Selhurst Park.

According to London News Online, the Dons want him to snap him up in the upcoming window but face competition from St Mirren. The player would apparently prefer a move to Scotland but the Buddies have seen their first bid rejected.

AFC Wimbledon eyeing defender swoop

Balmer still has another year left on his contract at Crystal Palace so a transfer fee would be required in order to lure him away from the Premier League outfit.

He was brought in on a temporary basis by AFC Wimbledon this past winter to bolster their defensive department and did a solid enough job for Johnnie Jackson’s side.

The Northern Irishman moved over to England in 2022 when the Eagles swooped in for him but he hasn’t played a first-team appearance for his parent club.

He was loaned out to Port Vale last year to get some experience under his belt in League One before he was given the green light to link up with the Dons.

AFC Wimbledon have published their retained list following the end of the 2023/24 campaign. They won 5-1 on the final day at home to Walsall.

Quaine Bartley, Marcel Campbell, Josh Hallard, Paul Kalambayi, Ben Mason, Alex Pearce, Harry Pell, Zach Robinson and Nik Tzanev have all been released ahead of next term.

Meanwhile, Huseyin Biler, Lee Brown, Armani Little and Ethan Sutcliffe have been offered new deals, whilst talks remain ongoing with Ronan Curtis.

AFC Wimbledon are interested in re-signing Balmer but face an uphill task with St Mirren also in the frame.

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