Honest Ahanor
CRY
CB
Driving Centre Back
Feb 23, 2008 (18)
Left
6'0"
174 lb
PalaceStarting in Carabao Cup
Ahanor (thigh) is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's Carabao Cup match against Middlesbrough.
Analysis: The defender, one of the latest additions to the Selhurst Park side before the transfer deadline, will make his debut with the Eagles. He slots in at center-back in a back three next to Axel Disasi and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Ruled out against Fulham
Ahanor (not injury related) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Ahanor has been unable to earn a place in the matchday squad despite coach Pierre Sage confirming everyone outside of the long-term absentees was available following his deadline-day arrival from Atalanta. The 18-year-old completed his season-long loan move and arrives with Serie A experience, but Sage ultimately decided to give him additional time to settle into his new surroundings before involving him in the matchday squad.
Ready for Palace debut
Ahanor is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham following his deadline-day arrival from Atalanta, according to coach Pierre Sage. "Everyone else is OK apart from our long-term injuries."
Analysis: Ahanor is immediately available for selection following his season-long loan move, giving Palace another left-footed option in central defense. The 18-year-old arrives with Serie A experience despite his age and could quickly compete for minutes in a backline currently without long-term absentee Chadi Riad. However, it remains unclear whether manager Pierre Sage will hand him an immediate debut against Fulham or give him additional time to settle into his new surroundings.
Loaned to Crystal Palace
Ahanor has joined Crystal Palace on loan from Atalanta for the rest of the season, with a pre-agreement already in place sending him to Chelsea on a permanent deal next summer.
Analysis: Ahanor is a left-footed center back who's made 35 appearances for Atalanta, 18 as a starter, and has two senior Italy caps as of this past June, but he's still viewed as a project for the future rather than an immediate first-team fixture. The loan to Palace lets him keep playing regular first-team football in the interim, and he's expected to help fill the void left by Chadi Riad's ACL injury. The move is structured as a loan from Atalanta rather than Chelsea directly, since Palace already has one loan spot from Chelsea filled by Axel Disasi and Premier League rules cap clubs at one loan signing from the same club at a time. It's an unusual setup involving three clubs and two separate deals.
Agrees deal with Chelsea
Ahanor has agreed a deal to join Chelsea from Atalanta, with the move officially completing in 2027, according to the club.
Analysis: Ahanor made 35 appearances for Atalanta last season, his first campaign there after arriving from Genoa in July 2025, and his strong form earned him his first two senior caps for Italy in June. The 18 year old defender's move sets up a future addition to Chelsea's back line after a likely loan spell to Crystal Palace, according to reports.
Will skip Sassuolo contest
Ahanor (thigh) hasn't recovered and will be re-assessed next week, Tuttomercatoweb reported.
Analysis: Ahanor hasn't been able to train in any capacity since picking up a thigh injury a week ago and won't be involved in this one. He could have been an option also for the middle of the defense, given multiple absences at the position.
Suffers mild thigh issue
Ahanor has been diagnosed with a right adductor strain, L'Eco Di Bergamo relayed.
Analysis: Ahanor is considered in doubt for next week's first leg of the Conference League playoff and for the opener versus Sassuolo. Lorenzo Bernasconi and Sead Kolasinac are the other options at the left-back position.
Gets the nod in Genoa contest
Ahanor won two of three tackles and had four interceptions, two shots and one clearance in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Genoa.
Analysis: Ahanor drew his first start over Sead Kolasinac since mid-February and was lively on both ends, notching a new season high in interceptions. It remains to be seen whether his role will grow down the stretch. He has tallied at least one clearance in his last three outings, amassing five and posting four tackles (three won), four interceptions and two key passes during that stretch.
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