Football News: Bayern Munich & Crystal Palace reach Chris Richard's agreement

Hasan Salihamidi has stated that an agreement between Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace for centre-back Chris Richards is almost complete.

It is believed that Palace will make a starting payment of €10 million ($10.3 million; £8.5 million). According to reports, Bayern Munich hoped these add-ons would bring the total cost closer to €18 million, with MLS team FC Dallas anticipating receiving a sell-on clause of 35% of that sum.

Richards left MLS team FC Dallas in the summer of 2018 and transferred to Bayern, first on loan and then permanently the following January.

Since making his debut in 2020, he has earned eight caps for his nation and has established himself as a regular in Gregg Berhalter's USMNT squads.

This summer, the 22-year-old has drawn interest from clubs in the UK, France, and Germany. Still, sources claim that Richards' primary focus has been on obtaining consistent playing time to regain his spot on the United States Men's National Team ahead of the World Cup.

Early front-runners from the Premier League included Leeds United, Southampton, and Brighton; but, according to Florian Plettenberg, Crystal Palace is the team that has reached an agreement with Bayern.

Richards, 22, has already agreed to personal terms with Palace and has discussed his position on the team with Patrick Vieira, the club's manager. He has been the subject of discussions between Bayern and the Selhurst Park club for some time.

Richards formerly grew in the FC Dallas development system, which has produced players like Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Reggie Cannon, and Justin Che. Richards joined Bayern Munich in 2018 after a successful trial period.

The defender has made ten appearances for Bayern at the senior level, contributing one assist. However, he has had tremendous success while on loan at Hoffenheim, playing 34 times in all competitions, with one goal and two assists.

Richards has eight USMNT appearances, with five coming during the Stars and Stripes' victorious World Cup qualification campaign.

The adaptable defender made 34 appearances in all competitions while on loan at Bundesliga team Hoffenheim for the previous season and a half. They had been one of several Bundesliga teams hoping to sign the defender this summer.

Richards is expected to be Palace's fourth summer acquisition, following the signings of midfielder Cheick Doucoure, winger Malcolm Ebiowei, and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

On their preseason tour of Australia, Vieira's team lost 3-1 against Manchester United on Tuesday.

While travelling to the US, Bayern will play DC United on Thursday.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland is expected out of action

The finger that Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland broke during his team's loss to Manchester United in a friendly is anticipated to put him out of play for up to eight weeks.

Butland, 29, was hurt during Tuesday's game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after he outmuscled Anthony Martial.

After being forced off due to injury in the 14th minute, Remi Matthews took over as the new goalkeeper for Stoke City. When Martial scored the opening goal three minutes later, Matthews surrendered.

Joel Ward scored a late consolation goal for Palace, but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and another player all scored past Palace's fourth-choice goalie.

Butland's injury might jeopardize his chances of leaving the south London team this summer.

Because Vicente Guaita joined on a free transfer, Sam Johnstone has been demoted to the second choice, behind Guaita, pushing Butland out of the running.

Johnstone, who committed to Selhurst Park for a four-year contract at the beginning of the month, is getting closer to being fully healthy after overcoming a thigh injury.

The next game for Crystal Palace is on Friday against Leeds United in Perth.

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