They say you learn something new every day, so how’s this for size: Chris Samba is still a professional footballer.
In fact, the former Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers centre-back is just 32 years old.
He’s younger than Kid Cudi.
He’s younger than Jonah Hill.
He’s younger than Donald Trump’s son Eric.
And he could be returning to England for the first time since leaving QPR for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala back in 2013.
Anzhi buying Samba for £12m has to be the worst bit of transfer business since QPR bought Samba for £12m
— Tom Victor (@tomvictor) July 2, 2013
Samba, who is a free agent after leaving Panathinaikos, has been training with Crystal Palace in the hope of earning a permanent deal with the Premier League club.
Palace are managed by Sam Allardyce, under whom the Congolese defender played at Ewood Park, but that doesn’t mean a deal is cut and dried.
Samba is some way from full fitness, according to reports, having played just six times for the Greek side after joining them last summer.
Christopher Samba, recently released by Panathinaikos and a free agent, has been at #cpfc's training ground today
— Dominic Fifield (@domfifield) January 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/MarkRitson_TM/status/823948623096508416
https://twitter.com/MarkRitson_TM/status/823949894486466560
Of course, seeing as the defender is a free agent, Palace would not be required to complete a deal during the January transfer window.
Midfielder Mathieu Flamini joined the club in September after proving his fitness outside the transfer window, and the club may be tempted to reserve judgement until they are absolutely certain Samba is in good enough shape to contribute to their fight against relegation.
Palace are currently 18th in the Premier League table, two points adrift of safety and just one clear of bottom club Sunderland.
