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Report: Northern Irish defender Kofi Balmer agrees three-year Crystal Palace deal
Crystal Palace have reportedly completed the signing of 21-year-old Northern Ireland defender, Kofi Balmer, according to Belfast Live.
The young defender joins the South London club from NIFL Premiership club Larne after a fee and contract negotiations were agreed between the two clubs.
The report from Belfast Live’s Gareth Fullerton, reveals that the Eagles had been eyeing the defender for a long time but have now signed him to a three-year-deal.
Fullerton said: “Larne defender Kofi Balmer has agreed a three-year deal with Crystal Palace.
“The 21-year-old has been on the radar of the Premier League club this summer and Palace have finally got their man.”
Great Move for Balmer
The transfer is a huge moment in Balmer’s career as he will now start preparations to get himself ready to feature for a Premier League club.
He brings a ton of experience from the Northan Irish Football League as he made over 130 appearances in the division.
He has also been capped 11 times for the Northern Ireland under-21 side and is knocking on the door for a call-up from the senior team.
Last term he made over 40 appearances in all competitions for Larne, helping the club finish fifth and picking up some silverware on the way.
His performances at the back helped the Northern Irish outfit retain the Co Antrim Shield with a 1-0 win against Linfield in January 2022.
He will now go from playing in front of 3,250 people at Inver Park to 25,000 people at Selhurst Park if he is to break into the Crystal Palace first team.
It is a huge step up for the youngster but if he can perform well in the youth team, a chance in the first-team will not be far away.
In other Crystal Palace news, young winger Malcolm Ebiowei has made his Premier League debut.