Port Vale add loan defender to their squad

Port Vale have confirmed the loan signing of Crystal Palace defender Kofi Balmer on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.

Balmer has been reunited with Valiants manager Andy Crosby having played under him for Norther Ireland U21 where he was also captain.

The former Ballymena and Larne player, 22, stands six foot tall and can play on both sides either as a centre-back, full-back or wingback.

Palace signed Balmer from Northern Irish side Larne in the summer of 2022 when he joined their Under-21 squad.

Crosby told the official Port Vale website: “I’m looking forward to working with Kofi again, he is the type of player that will fit in well with what we’re building on and off the field here at Vale Park and will provide good competition in defence.

“He has played more than 100 senior games in his career and has further developed his game at Premier League first-team level, he has also gained invaluable experience training and learning from elite-level players at Crystal Palace, Kofi has experienced playing international football with Northern Ireland and will be looking to regain his place in the senior squad.

“I’ve been lucky to see what Kofi is capable of first-hand during my time at Northern Ireland Under 21s, he has got the drive to succeed and is a natural leader, even at a young age. He will also have the support network around him to help him grow during his time here.”