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Solly March Close To Joining Brighton Arch-Rivals Crystal Palace
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- Solly March Close To Joining Brighton Arch-Rivals Crystal Palace
(TALKSEAGULLS)
Solly March to... excuse me?
Yes, you read the headline correctly. Solly March is reportedly close to a move to Crystal Palace this summer.
Sometimes in football, we see things that we somewhat expect. Like when the underdog occasionally beats the giant. Sometimes, big players leave clubs to find a new pathway for their careers.
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However, a player who is regarded as a club legend, with over 300 appearances and vital to the club's European qualification... and even scored the goal that sent Brighton to the Premier League for the first time in club history.
Does it make sense for the clubs and the player?
It would, weirdly, be hard to blame March for the move, given he was released by the club despite expecting a new deal. It will be intriguing to see how both fan bases accept the news as time goes on.
From a player's perspective, it makes a lot of sense. He is finally able to play in the Europa League, continue to compete in the Premier League, and, as much as it hurts to say, even become a starting figure for a club that has won trophies over the last couple of seasons.
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When Albion qualified for the Europa League in 2023, he was massively to thank. March was one of the league's best wingers during that campaign under Roberto De Zerbi. He alluded to the impact the Italian head coach had on his career during his interview with TalkSPORT last week.
Despite his incredible performances and goal return, March went on to sustain significant double-knee damage, keeping him out of the side for a combined two years. March has always been determined to come back from his injury and continue to prove his worth to the Albion side, especially as the injury kept him out of the side throughout the European campaign.
Now Albion will compete in Europe again this season, but March still won't feature. Instead, he could upgrade his status abroad by playing for the club's biggest rivals.
Crystal Palace isn't new to March. Coming through the academy as a Palace player at the age of 16, he was actually released by the Eagles before Albion picked him up from Lewes back in 2013.
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Palace now have a player who has plenty of Premier League experience, is capable of scoring goals and will be a great squad option to compete in Europe.
The aforementioned TalkSPORT interview showed a very emotional March on air, as he clearly looked shell-shocked that he hadn't been offered a new contract at the South Coast. From that perspective, why should he have any loyalties now? March has the opportunity to play at the top level and in Europe, and so be it.
How will the fans react?
Of course, from a fan's view, it may not be the same as this. After 15 years at the club, a lot of the fanbase would have grown up with only ever knowing March as a Brighton player.
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To see him wearing rival colours may be a big shock for the fanbase, resulting in boos from the stands when the two meet again.
Fans have watched March score big goals both at Selhurst Park and at the Amex against Palace, including moments where he even shushed the crowd after scoring.
It brings up questions like: Would he do that to us? How badly did we treat him for him to want to take this move? Do we boo him or clap him?
How about the Palace faithful? Great that they've got another one up, but perhaps the question marks over his fitness will remain? Do they want a 32-year-old player released by the Seagulls if he isn't able to play regularly?
It is a strange one to know how to feel, but Solly March's deal to Crystal Palace is all but confirmed, and Albion fans have another question of loyalty.
