Crystal Palace plotting system change with Wan-Bissaka, Richards eyed up to fit new plan

Crystal Palace are reportedly plotting a switch to a back three, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chris Richards are being eyed as reinforcement.

Palace’s defensive signings this season acquitted themselves well in the side. Indeed, Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen formed a good partnership at centre-back.

Palace earned their highest league finish since the 2017/18 season, as they ended the season in 12th. Guehi missed just two league games all season, and Andersen missed four.

The pair performed consistently, as Palace relied on them to keep sides at bay.

However, a reported system change could mean for reinforcements being added to the back line. The Sun claims that Patrick Vieira is planning on changing to a back three for next season.

With an extra centre-back in the side, Palace will no doubt look to sign one or two players in that position. Indeed, James Tomkins is the wrong side of 30, and Nathan Ferguson played just one league game last season.

As such, adding quality alongside Guehi and Andersen will be important. The report also names a couple of players that the Eagles may choose to pursue.

The first is Wan-Bissaka, who has reportedly been courted by Palace already. Indeed, he does not seem to be in Manchester United’s plans, and could return to his former club, potentially on loan initially.

Another name mentioned in the report is Bayern Munich centre-back Richards.

The 22-year-old has played just 10 senior games for the German side, but played consistently on loan at Hoffenheim last season.

Wan-Bissaka was one of Palace’s best players during his previous spell at the club. Indeed, that is why he earned a £49.5million move to United in 2019.

While he has not been in the best of form of late, clearly, he is still a