Record Signing Could Be Key To Palermo Resurgence

Palermo are feeling the pressure in Serie B after scoring only two goals in their first four matches.

For a team that began the season among the promotion favourites, these early struggles in front of goal have raised concerns. Despite their qualification for the next round of the Coppa Italia after a 3-2 win against Parma, Palermo’s attacking output has been underwhelming, with coach Alessio Dionisi eager to find solutions during the international break.

The recent match against Cosenza provided glimpses of improvement, but the team’s lack of precision in the final third prevented them from securing a deserved win. The spotlight now falls on the recent signing of Jeremy Le Douaron, who arrived from Ligue 1 side Brest for a fee of €4 million. Le Douaron, one of Serie B’s most expensive acquisitions, is expected to bring firepower to Palermo’s attack and turn their fortunes around.

Le Douaron’s signing is particularly intriguing, given that he left the chance to play in the Champions League with Brest to join Palermo. Despite not being a traditional striker, his versatility and proven goal-scoring ability have made him a player of interest. Dionisi has hinted that Le Douaron may start in the next match against Juve Stabia, having experimented with him in training alongside Matteo Brunori and Federico Di Francesco.

While Palermo has struggled to find goals from key players like Brunori and Henry, the hope is that Le Douaron can spark a turnaround. Standing at 189 cm, Le Douaron could be deployed as a central striker, adding a new dynamic to Palermo’s forward line.

Jeremy Le Douaron: Champions League to Second Division

Le Douaron began his professional football career with Stade Briochin, a French lower-division club, where he developed his skills and made an impression with his performances. In the summer of 2020, he secured a move to Brest, a Ligue 1 club, where he transitioned to top-flight football in France.

Le Douaron quickly adapted to the higher level, demonstrating versatility across the forward line. Primarily used as a winger, he also showcased his ability to play as a central striker, using his physical presence and technical ability to trouble defenders. During his time at Brest, he gained recognition for his hard work, helping the club avoid relegation and contributing key goals, including a notable one against Paris Saint-Germain.

Site Opinion: Striking Change

Palermo’s decision to invest heavily in Le Douaron is a clear sign of their ambition, but the Frenchman will need to adapt quickly to the rigours of Serie B. While not a typical goal machine, his ability to play across the front line offers Palermo flexibility. Whether Dionisi opts to start him or use him as a substitute, his physical presence and eye for goal could be key to revitalizing an attack that has underperformed so far.

However, relying too heavily on a single player to turn things around may backfire if Palermo’s broader tactical issues aren’t addressed. The upcoming match against Juve Stabia, with their formidable defence, will be a significant test for both Le Douaron and Palermo as they seek to regain their attacking edge.