American defender Chris Richards is in London having a medical ahead of a move to Crystal Palace which could be announced as early as this weekend, 90min understands.
The 22-year-old has attracted interest from across Europe's top five leagues this summer, with sources close to the player telling 90min his main focus has been finding a club where he can play regularly to win his spot on the USMNT's World Cup roster.
Leeds United, Southampton, and Brighton were among the Premier League outfits pushing for Richards, but it's Palace who have won the race.
Earlier this week, former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed to Bild: “We’re holding talks.”
Sources later confirmed that while talks were progressing well, reports suggesting personal terms were agreed were a little premature. However, 90min now understands Richards arrived in London last night to undergo a medical.
Palace will pay £10m ($12.2m) to Bayern for Richards, who will sign a five-year contract, with another £6.8m ($8.1m) payable to the Bundesliga champions in add-ons. MLS club FC Dallas expect to receive 35% of that fee as a sell-on clause.
Sources say the transfer could be announced as early as this weekend.
Richards has been with Bayern Munich since 2018 following a successful trial period having previously developed in the FC Dallas youth system - also responsible for talents such as Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Reggie Cannon, and Justin Che.
The defender has 10 appearances under his belt for Bayern at senior level, providing one assist, but has enjoyed more success on loan at Hoffenheim, playing 34 times across all competitions, scoring one goal and assisting another two.
To date, Richards has eight USMNT caps under his belt, including five in the Stars and Stripes' successful World Cup qualification campaign.
Source : 90min