Cheick Doucoure: Crystal Palace sign Mali midfielder from Lens

Crystal Palace have signed Cheick Doucoure from Lens on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder, 22, joined Lens in 2018 and helped the French club win promotion back to Ligue 1 in 2019-20 after five seasons in the second tier.

Doucoure, who has five caps for Mali, said he felt "joy and a lot of pride" to have joined Patrick Vieira's side.

He is Palace's third summer signing, alongside striker Malcolm Ebiowei, 18, and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Doucoure made 34 appearances for Lens last season as they finished seventh in the table.

"Cheick's arrival is yet another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer," added Palace chairman Steve Parish.

This article originally appeared in BBC News

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