Finnish top-flight side HJK Helsinki have announced the signing of Crystal Palace under-21 striker Luke Plange on loan until the end of the year, as revealed on their official website.
Plange has been on the bench for Palace’s senior side three times this season but is yet to appear for the Eagles. He does however, have six goals in five appearances for the under-21s, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa as recently as last Monday.
The ex-Lincoln City loanee had spent the first half of the season on loan at fellow League One side Carlisle United, making 22 appearances and scoring two goals in the third tier for the struggling Cumbrians. Having had a previous loan with RWD Molenbeek in Belgium, this will be his second loan spell abroad. His spell with the Belgian outfit went slightly better than his two loan spells in England, with two goals in 13 outings.
“Luke is a versatile attacker who can play not only at the top but also on the wing. He is quite a good finisher, is able to challenge in one v one situations and is able to protect the ball. In addition, he is strong in changing situations when we win the ball” said HJK’s sports director Vesa Mäki.
“I am looking forward to a new experience in a different country. I can’t wait to get to work” added the striker.
“I like to make runs from the back of the defence, but I also manage as a target player. I am the most destructive to the opponent in the penalty area.”
HJK won their League, the Veikkausliiga, in the 2023 season, beating KUPS by just a single point. A lot of that is down to the form Ossi Virta’s side have at home, where they took a total of 24 points from a possible 33 at the Bolt Arena.
The Klubi are perhaps Finland’s most well known side and are the only Finnish side to have ever appeared in the Champions League. They’ll be hoping for another good season once the Veikkausliiga begins in early April, which does give Plange some time to settle in.
After two very disappointing loan moves to Lincoln and Carlisle respectively, this move could really be make or break for the youngster. Crystal Palace have a lot of faith in him given the money they paid Derby for his services in 2022 but he is yet to show any potential near to his price tag.
Writer’s View
The Palace youngster clearly has talent as proven by his form in under-21 football, he did struggle whilst playing in League One for Lincoln City and Carlisle United though.
He must have the best agent in football, but seriously he will hope this loan to the Finnish top league will revitalise his career and help him to find his scoring boots. He will have to hit the ground running, that’s for sure.
Without the pressure and the big crowds, could we see the youngster flourish for his new side? It’s no given but it could well give the striker the opportunity to get his career back on track.
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