Crystal Palace in the picture to sign Watford star – Player could ’embrace new challenge’ next season.

Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe has emerged as a potential target for Crystal Palace ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Premier League side closely monitoring his performances, according to a new report.

Kayembe has been a crucial presence at the base of Watford’s midfield during their play-off push under Tom Cleverley, and his form has attracted top-flight interest. The DR Congo international has been with the Hornets since January 2022, when he joined from Belgian side Eupen in a £4 million deal. Over his three years at Vicarage Road, he has played a key role in multiple seasons, but his impact has arguably been at its peak this term.

Edo Kayembe’s Watford Career Record

• Appearances: 105
• Goals: 12
• Assists: 3

Kayembe’s Standout Season Sparks Crystal Palace Interest

This season, Kayembe has featured 34 times in all competitions for Watford, contributing seven goals and one assist. His strong performances have made him one of the club’s standout players, making the reported interest from Crystal Palace unsurprising.

According to Africa Foot, the 26-year-old is firmly on the Eagles’ radar, with the London club closely assessing his displays ahead of a potential summer move. This is not the first time Kayembe has been linked with the Premier League—last summer, Ipswich Town reportedly engaged in talks regarding a transfer, but no deal materialized, allowing Watford to retain his services.

Watford Determined to Keep Kayembe Amid Promotion Push

Despite an inconsistent campaign, Watford remain in contention for a Championship play-off spot, and Kayembe is expected to play a vital role in their bid for promotion. Losing him would be a significant blow, as he has become an essential figure in Cleverley’s system.

🤯 Take a look at @WatfordFC's Edo Kayembe scoring DIRECTLY from a corner! #EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/0Q5fdwB3B9

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) August 10, 2024

His journey at Watford has not been without challenges. A serious calf injury sidelined him for much of the 2022/23 season, and he struggled for consistent game time early last term. However, under Cleverley’s management, he has been given an expanded role, and he has repaid that faith with strong displays, even emerging as the club’s second-highest league scorer in the 2024/25 campaign.

A composed passer with strong ball-winning abilities, Kayembe is also known for his dynamic forward runs from midfield—an attribute that has reportedly caught the eye of Palace manager Oliver Glasner. If the Eagles make a formal move, Watford may face a tough battle to keep hold of their midfield enforcer beyond the summer.

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