After failing to reach a contract extension agreement, Cheikhou Kouyate will leave Crystal Palace despite his desire to stay.
The 32-year-old Kouyate was willing to remain at Selhurst Park but demanded a two-year deal.
The defensive midfielder moved to Palace in 2018 after playing regularly for West Ham in the Premier League since joining them in 2014. There, he swiftly cemented his position as a key player of the team.
Kouyate went on to play 141 times for the Eagles, including 31 games last year under Patrick Vieira.
Kouyate will leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer when his contract ends despite being a regular for Vieira’s team.
There have been continuous negotiations between the player and club over a new contract, but no agreement has been reached.
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The Senegal international could only receive a 12-month extension from the Eagles because of his advanced age.
On July 1 when his contract expires, the former West Ham midfielder will now be a free agent.
Cheick Doucoure, a midfielder for Lens, has been signed, giving Palace a younger, ready-made alternative.
With the in-demand Seko Fofana, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder made 34 appearances last season, contributing one goal and four assists while forming a strong midfield tandem.
In the club’s second season back in the top division, Doucoure was a crucial component in aiding Lens to a seventh-place finish, just missing out on European qualification.
The eight-cap Malian international has played in 131 games for Lens throughout the course of his whole career.
