Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Loic Remy, who joins on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
Remy becomes the Eagles’ fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Andros Townsend, Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins and Christian Benteke.
The striker has recently been exiled from the Blues’ matchday squads and has taken the opportunity to join Alan Pardew’s side temporarily for the rest of the season.
Remy struggled to find regular football at Stamford Bridge
The France international joined Chelsea from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2014 but has failed to make an impact in West London.
Diego Costa stood in his way during his first season, although he still managed to make 30 appearances in all competitions, whilst scoring nine goals in the process. A Premier League winners medal was the highlight of the former Marseille striker’s campaign.
However, Remy found appearances even harder to come by in his second season at the club. Chelsea’s capitulation and off-field issues made things difficult for each player in the squad as blame was put on them for Jose Mourinho’s departure. Remy made just 20 appearances under Mourinho and then Gus Hiddink in 2015/16, scoring a mere three times.
The recent signing of Michy Batshuayi has seen Remy fall further down the pecking order and he has now taken the decision to find regular football at Selhurst Park.
Remy will hope to add goals to a misfiring Palace forward line along with new signing Benteke
The Eagles have struggled for a regular goals ever since their promotion in 2013 and Pardew will hope Remy can solve that problem.
Remy worked under the Palace boss during a loan spell at Newcastle United in the 2013/14 season where his goals – 14 in 27 appearances – were vital.
The move also gives an indication of a tactical change under Pardew. The Eagles recently completed the signing of Benteke and Remy could partner him in a brand new strike force as Pardew looks to implement a 4-4-2 formation.