July 10 2015

Yohan Cabaye

Crystal Palace have completed the record signing of midfielder Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint-Germain.

The France international has penned a three-year contract and becomes Palace's biggest-ever purchase at £10million, rising to £12.8m with add-ons.

Cabaye's arrival is a major coup for the Eagles and breaking the bank to bring in a player of his quality sends a big message to their Premier League rivals.

Palace reportedly fought off interest from Tottenham and West Ham to land the European superstar who is reunited with manager Alan Pardew after they worked together at Newcastle.

The 29-year-old joined the Magpies from local side Lille in July 2011 and played an integral role for them before Pardew was forced to accept a £19m offer from the wealthy Paris club in January 2014.

But despite featuring in the Champions League, Cabaye had been unable to earn himself a first-team place at PSG, making just 13 Ligue 1 starts last season.

Regular football in the Premier League will ensure he remains a part of the French team and add to his 38 caps ahead of next summer's UEFA European Championship in his home country.

His honours include winning Ligue 1 (2011, 2014, 2015), French Cup (2011, 2015), French League Cup (2014, 2015) and Palace have landed a player of exceptional technical ability.

On signing for the club, Cabaye told cpfc.co.uk: "I'm happy to be here. I've been waiting for the decision, had the medical and now I can't wait to focus on my new team, a new season and my new life.

"I wanted to come and play for Palace because there are some really strong players here. They finished very well last season and I think they can compete to get into the top eight.

"I also know the gaffer and have worked with him before and I’m confident with him. I want to do my best for him because he’s made a big effort to get me to come here, as well as the Chairman, so I have to say a big thank you to both of them."