HUGE REGRET? Roy Hogdson Palace Prodigy sold for a very cheap Price now wins individual award over Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, definitely Palace won’t like what they see.
Michael Olise is quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s top right-wingers after a brilliant start to his career at Bayern Munich, scoring six goals and providing three assists in his first ten games.
Looking back further, Ian Wright became a Premier League champion after leaving Selhurst Park for Arsenal in 1991, where he also claimed multiple Golden Boot awards.
Now, another former Crystal Palace player sold for just £4.5m during Patrick Vieira’s tenure has achieved something remarkable.
Christian Benteke claims MLS Golden Boot, surpassing Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez
In August 2022, Crystal Palace sold Christian Benteke to D.C. United for £4.5m, a significant loss compared to the £27m they paid Liverpool for him in August 2016.
At the time, it seemed like Benteke was heading for a final payday in his thirties, playing in a less competitive league after scoring just 20 goals in his last 122 Premier League games.
However, Benteke has surprised many by thriving in Washington, winning the Major League Soccer Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals in 30 appearances, helping D.C. United to a tenth-place finish.
The Belgium international even outscored Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, highlighting his impressive form during the 2023/24 season.
Crystal Palace fans should feel proud
It was difficult for Palace fans to watch Benteke, who messaged Tyrick Mitchell in April, struggle for form in his later years at the club. The once-dominant striker who terrorized Premier League defences had become a shadow of his former self, rarely finding the net.
This decline, likely tough for the 33-year-old himself, began after a severe Achilles injury. Seeing him rediscover his old form in Washington and once again strike fear into opponents is a heartening turnaround.
While selling Benteke for £4.5m was the right financial decision, on a personal level, his resurgence is a feel-good story.