'Deal in place' - Fabrizio Romano confirms move for 'brilliant' ex Crystal Palace and Everton baller

Former Crystal Palace legend and Premier League baller Yannick Bolasie is on the verge of joining Brazilian club Criciuma as a free agent. The 34-year-old is without a club having left Swansea at the end of a short-term contract last month.

Bolasie had made 10 Championship appearances for the club but played just 300 minutes in the league this season. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a deal is 'in place' for the winger to complete the 5,000 mile move to Brazil.

Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday evening, Romano wrote: "Understand Brazilian Criciuma have agreed a pre-contract to sign Yannick Bolasie. Deal in place, waiting to check details and then time to travel to Brazil next week if all goes to plan."

The Brazilian outfit secured promotion from second flight Serie B last year and have Sampdoria legend and Italy national Eder on their roster. The side is managed by Brazilian Cláudio Tencati.

Bolasie's outings for Swansea had been limited to cameos but the charismatic winger still made an impact on colleagues and supporters, leaving Wales with much praise. The Championship club had tried to extend the player's stay as they look to stay clear of being dragged into a relegation battle.

Swansea head coach Luke Williams said: "We couldn't reach an agreement with Yannick to extend. It's unfortunate because he's an unbelievable guy and we know the quality he has as a player. But deals can be more complicated, particularly when you have had a career like Yannick.

"Yannick is a man with many options. I am upset because I would have loved us to make something that was good for him and good for the club and somehow we didn't manage to do it. But let me tell you that guy is incredible and while he was here, he was completely committed to Swansea - [he brought] a brilliant energy on the training pitch. I wish him well. I hope he doesn't sign for someone and we play against them, because I would rather he was with us. But good luck to him."

Bolasie began his career with Hillingdon Borough in 2006 and went on to play for Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City before joining Crystal Palace in 2012. The winger racked up 144 appearances for the Eagles, helping the club into the Premier League, and created many a magical memory for supporters - such as an 11-minute hat-trick against Sunderland in 2015.

Bolasie then completed a move to Everton in 2016 for £25 million but struggled to make an impact at Goodison Park as he suffered a series of injuries, embarking on loan spells at Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough.