Latest news with #BornaSosa
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Who is Borna Sosa and why have Crystal Palace signed him?
It didn't take Borna Sosa long to demonstrate why Crystal Palace have bought him. In the first half of Saturday's 1-0 win against Championship neighbours Millwall, Palace's opening pre-season friendly, his in-swinging corner was headed back to him. Sosa took a touch to pluck the ball out of the air and control it, adjusted his body and flicked in a dangerous cross with the outside of his boot, only for team-mate Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to guide it over the crossbar. Advertisement Later in the half, Adam Wharton received a pass in the middle, spotted a run Sosa was making into Millwall territory and played a ball ahead of a colleague so new he'd only signed the previous day, for just £2million ($2.7m), from leading Dutch club Ajax. Sosa quickly shifted it out of his feet and crossed again, this time wrapping his foot around the ball, and found Jean-Philippe Mateta, who glanced a header wide of the goal. It was an otherwise unremarkable start to Palace's programme of five warm-up games ahead of the coming season but those were two of the day's more notable moments and served as an excellent representation of the fact that crossing is such a staple of the 27-year-old's game. To be compared with David Beckham is to immediately prompt raised eyebrows. It is easy to see why the comparison was made by Stuttgart's then sporting director Sven Mislintat when speaking about Sosa, Palace's new left wing-back, during his five years with the German club; the flowing blond hair held back by an Alice band is a bit of a giveaway. Far more relevant, though, is the impeccable accuracy and danger levels of his crossing and set-piece deliveries. That, though, is where the similarities tend to end between Sosa, who is left-footed, and the right-footed former England, Real Madrid and Manchester United star — who, according to Mislintat, is the Croatia international's idol. For Palace, this transfer finally presents a possible solution to an issue that has nagged at them for the past four years. Tyrick Mitchell, so dependable as a left-back and a player who has adapted impressively to the wing-back role under manager Oliver Glasner since his appointment 18 months ago, has had no cover or competition for his place since Patrick van Aanholt left the south London side in July 2021. Advertisement It is testament to Mitchell's work rate, fitness and professionalism that he has held his own over that time as Palace prioritised other areas. But, until Ben Chilwell's loan from Chelsea in January, he was their only option at the position. Mitchell played 37 times in the Premier League last season and has missed just six games in total over the four seasons. There has been nobody to come in when he played through minor injury, nor to push him to be more confident in attacking situations. Now, that should change. Sosa's arrival represents good value for money as a squad player, which is how Palace view him. His reputation has diminished somewhat since the days he was attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund while in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart, but he has 26 caps for Croatia. An underwhelming 2023-24 debut season in the Netherlands led to a season-long loan at Torino, but the Serie A side did not see enough to warrant exercising their option to make the move permanent this summer. He had joined Ajax in the same summer that Mislintat began work as their sporting director, but the Amsterdam club operated primarily in a 4-3-3 setup which did not suit Sosa, given it required him to take on considerably more defensive responsibilities. Going forward is where his talents lie. Excellent on the ball and capable of crossing high and wide or low and narrow, he offers plenty in such situations. He is able to get beyond defenders but tends to prefer to cross, and is excellent at finding space to enable him to do so, rather than attacking the penalty area and driving into space. His carry progression last season with Torino placed him in only the 13th percentile relative to other left-backs in Serie A (87 per cent of them did better), strongly highlighting his preference to move the ball out from his feet and cross or pass over progressing it up the pitch. On the ball he is strong, with passing accuracy and intelligence considered to be a key part of his game, alongside good set-piece ability. In 2022-23, his final season with Stuttgart, Sosa attempted (255) and completed (80) the most crosses, and created the most chances (25) from such deliveries, of any Bundesliga player. Only Bayern duo Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman accumulated more expected assists per 90 minutes. With Torino, though, his creative output was not especially high, putting him in the 16th percentile. Mitchell, in contrast, was in the 86th percentile, although that may be in part due to the respective styles and performances of the two clubs. Sosa's role in attack beyond crossing tends to be helping his team-mates by creating space off the ball. Defensively, there are question marks. Sosa struggles to prevent opposition attackers from progressing beyond him and can also find it difficult to recover quickly, therefore potentially exposing his team's defence — although last season he was above average with his one-v-one defending success rate. He is familiar with the high-pressing approach from his days in the Bundesliga and his ability to play higher up the pitch will suit Palace's system under Glasner. Advertisement The Dinamo Zagreb academy graduate is considered to be someone who is outstanding at the things he does well, but otherwise has limitations. Palace must keep an eye on the recruitment strategy that has served them well in recent seasons and identify younger talent to improve. They would argue, though, that bringing in such apparently reliable and cheap cover allows them to spend more lavishly elsewhere to attract those more youthful players. They consider Sosa to be sufficient backup for Mitchell and strong value for money. It is a signing in keeping with that of goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who joined on a free transfer after his contract with Dutch champions PSV expired this summer — opportunistic and a good-value way to provide cover in an area where it was required. Yet if Sosa can step up to the level of the Premier League and Glasner can bring the best out of him, Palace may have found a competitor for Mitchell at a bargain price.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Crystal Palace Complete Signing of Ajex Defender in £3m Bargain Move
Crystal Palace Secure Borna Sosa in Smart Summer Move Crystal Palace have strengthened their squad with the signing of Croatia international Borna Sosa from Ajax, Sky Sports has reported. The 27-year-old arrives at Selhurst Park on a three-year contract, with the Eagles paying a reported £3 million fee. This marks the club's second signing of the summer window after goalkeeper Walter Benitez, reflecting a clear intent to bolster key areas ahead of the Premier League season. Advertisement Croatian Quality Arrives at Selhurst Park Sosa's pedigree is well established. With 26 caps for Croatia, including five starts during their impressive run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he brings experience on the international stage. Having joined Ajax from Stuttgart in 2023, Sosa spent the last campaign on loan at Torino in Serie A, gaining valuable minutes in one of Europe's top leagues. Photo: IMAGO Sky Sports highlighted the Croatian's versatility, noting his ability to operate as a left wing-back, left-back or even in a more advanced role when required. This flexibility is something Palace will surely look to exploit, especially given their ambitions to push further up the table this season. Advertisement Strengthening at the Back For Palace, the signing is not merely about adding numbers. The left flank has long needed reinforcement, with competition required for Tyrick Mitchell. Sosa's crossing ability and forward thrust will add another dimension to Oliver Glasner's tactical options. Sky Sports reported, 'Sosa has won 26 caps for Croatia, starting five of his country's games as they reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.' That experience should prove invaluable, especially in tight Premier League contests where margins are fine. Transfer Strategy Signals Intent Bringing in Walter Benitez earlier this window and now Sosa points to a focused recruitment approach. Palace are not chasing marquee names but are instead targeting players with experience, adaptability and hunger to prove themselves in the Premier League. Advertisement It is worth noting that the modest fee represents excellent value, considering Sosa's age profile and international résumé. As one Palace insider put it, 'He brings leadership, quality and European know-how, exactly what we need to raise the standards.' What Comes Next for Palace? With Sosa and Benitez through the door, attention will likely turn to reinforcing midfield and potentially adding another forward. Glasner has been clear about needing depth across the pitch, and fans will be eager to see if further deals materialise before the window closes. Our View – EPL Index Analysis As a Crystal Palace supporter, this transfer is a reason for real excitement. Borna Sosa is exactly the sort of player we need to kick on. His performances for Croatia at the World Cup were no fluke, and you don't get 26 caps for a side like that without having something special. Advertisement We have seen too often that when Tyrick Mitchell is out or struggling, we lack balance down the left. Sosa will not just cover, he will push Mitchell to new heights. His delivery into the box is superb, something we have missed since Patrick van Aanholt's days. The £3 million fee is an absolute steal, especially in today's market. It shows that Dougie Freedman and the recruitment team are doing their homework, identifying players who fit the system and can add immediate value. Also, the fact that Sosa played in Serie A and the Eredivisie suggests he's adaptable and ready for the physicality and pace of the Premier League. I can't wait to see him link up with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, and if we can keep them all fit, we could surprise a lot of people this season. This feels like smart business and a sign that Palace mean business.
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Who is Palace newboy Sosa?
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Ajax defender Borna Sosa to finally provide some competition for Tyrick Mitchell at 27, will hope to recapture the form he showed during five seasons at Stuttgart, where he established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in Germany. During his final three years at the club, the Croat registered 24 Bundesliga assists during that time, the joint-highest figure of any defender in the league for that period, but his career has stalled since then. Three weeks after joining Ajax in 2023, the man who signed him, director of football Sven Mislintat, was sacked. Sosa soon fell out of favour and started just 10 Eredivisie games before spending 2024-25 on loan at Torino, where he began only 14 Serie A capped at various youth levels by Croatia, he controversially tried to switch allegiance to Germany prior to Euro 2020, only to discover at the last minute it was not permitted under Fifa quickly issued a public apology, admitting he had been "wrong" and "naive", and has since won 26 caps for his native country, including five starts as they reached the World Cup semi-finals in Palace hoping to complete in the Europa League next season, Sosa's experience could prove a useful option for manager Oliver Glasner.
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Palace sign Croatia defender Sosa
Crystal Palace have signed Croatia defender Borna Sosa from Ajax on a three-year 27-year-old plays as a left-sided wing-back and Palace said he is "capable of influencing matches at both ends of the pitch".He is Palace's second signing after the arrival of Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free FA Cup winners are awaiting a Uefa decision on whether they can play in next season's Europa has joined for a reported £3m but one source has told the BBC it is £ Steve Parish said Sosa would be a "perfect fit" for Palace and added his arrival "adds additional quality, experience and depth to our squad". Sosa joined Ajax in September 2023 and made 25 appearances but spent last season on loan at Italian Serie A side Torino, playing in 20 games with the side but deciding not to take up their option to buy has 26 caps for Croatia, scoring twice and playing a key role as they finished third at the 2022 World started his career at his hometown club Dinamo Zagreb before a move to German side Stuttgart. Analysis - Palace hope Sosa can recapture Stuttgart form Tom McCoy, BBC Sport journalist:Sosa will provide security for Tyrick Mitchell at will hope to recapture the form he showed during five seasons at Stuttgart, where he established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in Germany. He registered 24 Bundesliga assists during his final three years at the club, the joint-highest figure of any defender during that period, but his career has stalled since then. Three weeks after joining Ajax in 2023, the man who signed him, director of football Sven Mislintat, was sacked. Sosa soon fell out of favour and started just 10 Eredivisie games before spending 2024-25 on loan at Torino, where he began only 14 Serie A capped at various youth levels by Croatia, he controversially tried to switch allegiance to Germany prior to Euro 2020, only to discover at the last minute it wasn't permitted under Fifa rules. He quickly issued a public apology, admitting he had been "wrong" and "naive", and has since won 26 caps for his native country, including five starts as they reached the World Cup semi-finals in Palace competing in Europe next season, whether it be the Europa League or Conference League, Sosa's experience could prove a useful option for manager Oliver Glasner.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Borna Sosa signs for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Croatian international Borna Sosa on a three-year deal for a reported £3 million. Sosa joins the club from Ajax after having spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Torino where he played 20 times in all competitions for the Italian side after having missed the final games of the season due to injury. Advertisement "I'm very excited to join Crystal Palace," Sosa said about his move to the Premier League. "I've heard so many good things about the club. I cannot wait to meet the players, the staff, and all of the fans, because I've heard so many good things. I'm very, very excited to be here." The 27-year-old began his career at Dinamo Zagreb before moving to Stuttgart in 2018 where he impressed, going on to make his Croatia debut in 2021 after having almost represented Germany until it was found he would be ineligible to represent them. The left-sided defender was also a part of the Croatia team that finished third in the 2022 World Cup and runners-up in the 2022/23 Nations League. Sosa is the Eagles' second summer signing following the arrival of goalkeeper Wálter Benítez earlier in the transfer window.
