‘We’re convinced with his skills’ – Crystal Palace boss delivers verdict on signing Romain Esse from Millwall

Oliver Glasner admitted Romain Esse’s profile was something his Crystal Palace side was lacking before heading into the January transfer window.

Esse’s signing was announced on Saturday morning before the game and was in attendance at the London Stadium.

The Eagles have paid the Lions a club-record £14.5million to land the Lambeth-born winger on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

Left-footed Esse, who plays predominantly on the right-hand side, registered 66 appearances for Millwall after progressing through their youth team.

Palace have had huge success from plucking players from the Championship – Adam Wharton, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze all catching headlines during their time at Selhurst Park.

Olise, who plays in the same role as Esse, left the Eagles in the summer to join Bayern Munich for £50million.

“He’s a young player who will be a typical Crystal Palace signing,” said Glasner.

“Crystal Palace have had a lot of success from signing young players from the Championship. 

“Young players who they support in their development – this is what we will do with Romain.

“We’re convinced with his skills. He is left-footed with a great first touch. He understands the game and can find the spaces. 

“We will work with him and support him so he can improve and understands the difference between Championship and Premier League football as quickly as possible.

“I’m delighted and he gives us one more option in the attack.”

Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman was spotted watching Esse in the build-up to the January window.

Esse had five goal contributions in 24 Championship appearances for the Lions this season before making the switch.

Glasner added: “Dougie has known him for a longer time – we have a great scouting team.

“When we analyse our game and we could say: ‘What profile could we add to the team which we don’t have?’

“With Ismaila it was clear to us that we have a player who can make great runs in behind. He improved massively playing into the box, but at the beginning it was not one of his biggest strengths.

“With Romain, we have a player who is very intelligent at finding the space in the pocket and then to pass as well, whether that’s to JP, the other 10 or the wing-backs.

“He can improve – his numbers are not extraordinary in the Championship – but he’s 19. 

“He’s a great character. Dougie knows him very, very well. 

“I had a talk with him [Romain] and he’s listening because he wants to improve and learn.

“Having great skills and this character is a very set up for us – this is what we were looking for.

“To be a little bit critical, it took a little bit too long to get the signing done. But it is better at the middle of the transfer window than at the end.”

PICTURE: CPFC