Carlisle United are actively pursuing 20-year-old Crystal Palace striker Luke Plange but Palace remain cautious about finding the best possible deal for their young attacker, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Plange has failed to set the world alight in his previous three loan spells since joining Crystal Palace from Derby County in 2022, scoring zero goals for Lincoln City last campaign from 18 appearances.
His initial hype – which alerted Crystal Palace to his services – came during Derby’s administration filled 2021-22 Championship stay. Plange would score three times in just eight appearances for the Rams, before departing for the Eagles in January of that season.
He would, however, be immediately loaned back to Pride Park to continue his development but would only muster up one more goal from 18 more starts as the Rams were eventually relegated.
Carlisle United could well end up being Plange’s next destination out on loan, Paul Simpson’s Cumbrians active in the transfer window so far as his side prepare for the task of League One football.
Carlisle United’s Business So Far
Carlisle have been busy in adding recruits to Brunton Park ahead of their return to third tier football, the Cumbrians playing in League One this forthcoming campaign for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
The Cumbrians have been smart with their business to date, bringing back the likes of Ben Barclay and Finn Back permanently who succeeded under the guidance of Paul Simpson on loan in League Two. Can they make the step-up in quality?
Likewise, Paul Simpson’s men have also welcomed back Alfie McCalmont to the club – the former Leeds United prospect cutting ties at Elland Road to relocate back up to Cumbria.
Carlisle’s latest bit of business could prove to be the most exciting, Sean Maguire joining the Cumbrians on a one-year deal. Maguire brings a wealth of EFL experience to the Carlisle United ranks, making over 170 appearances in the Championship for Preston North End.
He also has an eye for goal, scoring 54 times for Cork City in his native Ireland before switching to Preston.
Luke Plange could well be another bold acquisition for the newly promoted side, another signing that shows Carlisle United aren’t there to simply make up the numbers alongside the likes of Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic.
Writer’s View
It’s clear to see that Luke Plange was highly rated at Derby County, but you could argue that his move to Crystal Palace has stunted his growth and came way too soon in his fledgling career.
Plange has never quite been able to regain his confidence after firing in goals for the Rams in a short spell, Lincoln City last season saw the 20-year-old instead fire blanks throughout a torrid time at Sincil Bank.
If he does join Carlisle United, the Brunton Park faithful will hope they can see Plange at his best and will hope he can recapture his goalscoring knack in Carlisle colours to stave off an immediate return to League Two football.
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