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The deal, reportedly for around £9m, sees the 22-year old forward join the Eagles on a five year contract.
Where does this leave us? Well, it means we have until the end of the month to assess our targets wisely and buy a forward that can add something extra to our side - it's clear the main characteristics required for Wickham's replacement is pace, power and the ability to beat his opponent.
Going into the season opener against Leicester at the weekend Dick Advocaat still has Jeremain Lens, Jermain Defoe, Adam Johnson, Danny Graham and Steven Fletcher to choose from, with the former three the obvious selections in the Dutchman's favoured 4-3-3 system.
Wickham told the official Crystal Palace website:
"I spoke to the gaffer last week and he said all the right things about the club and I’ve got friends here who also told me some very good things. I looked at the team before I arrived here and the signings that have been brought in, and the potential to score goals and the chances that could be created was a massive influence. Hopefully I can add to that talent and make the squad stronger. I think I needed the fresh start, I had four years up north and it’s been a bit stop-start. Now I’ve come back home and I can settle down and see my family a bit more and hopefully let my football do the talking."
Wickham, for me, will be remembered as a huge disappointment with regards to his time as a Sunderland player and I'm sure not many will disagree. We bought a player in 2011 for a hefty sum who had bags of potential yet rarely - if ever - showed glimpses of what he was truly capable of. Blessed with a towering physique, the ability to burst past people with power and pace and a growing reputation, Wickham never seemed to improve whilst a Sunderland player and his move to Crystal Palace is a one which mutually benefits both parties.
