Exclusive: Director explains why Crystal Palace signing is so special

Crystal Palace signed Dario Osorio from FC Midtjylland late in the summer transfer window and the deal was seen as a coup. Sport Witness have now spoken to the Danish club’s technical director Kristian Kjær about the Chilean attacker.

The Eagles paid €28m to land the youngster and this is the most expensive transfer in Danish Superliga history. Midtjylland earned €86m from player sales in the summer, which establishes them as arguably the best selling club in Denmark.

Osorio has played one game for Crystal Palace this season and this came after he already made a mark for Midtjylland. Before the deal went through, Osorio played 11 times in all competitions for them, contributing to five goals.

In fact, since joining them in 2023, he was a regular amongst the goals. The 2025/26 campaign saw him contribute to ten in the Superliga.

Talent was obvious early on

Kristian Kjaer has told Sport Witness that Osorio’s talent was always on show, dating back to Club Universidad De Chile.

“He was never a hidden gem in Chile. He was spotted almost immediately. We have known him for quite a long time. He’s always been rumoured with big clubs like Leipzig, AC Milan and other football clubs playing in bigger leagues than ours.”

Despite competition, Midtjylland’s data-led approach helped them trump other clubs in the race.

“But we tracked him through data before we signed him, and then in the summer of 2023, we found out that we had an opportunity to actually sign him on a permanent transfer, and we triggered that possibility, which we were of course delighted about back then and still are today.”

No problems about adaptation

Osorio’s move from Chile to Denmark came with the need to adapt to a new environment quickly. Kjaer says this didn’t trouble the winger at all, even if it came with a big lifestyle change.

“When he left Chile on 31st August 2023, he especially needed to adapt to a more tactical, intense and aggressive league. Including adapting to Danish football’s defensive demands, which he himself flagged as the biggest adjustment, I believe.”

“Then, of course, there was also living and playing football in a more organised professional league than the Chilean one, with a focus on nutrition, off-pitch behaviour, and being a top athlete outside the pitch as well.”

The Crystal Palace player’s personality has evolved since his early days. While he is still quite reserved, he has developed a sense of confidence which stands out.

“I think Dario said it himself that he moved away from home when he was 11 years old, and that made him maybe a quiet and introverted boy. And today he’s not quite as introverted.”

“I see him as a totally grounded, consistent, settled top professional, smiling and private, but more in a settled, grounded manner.”

Kjaer reveals that even though Osorio didn’t speak the same language as ex-Midtjylland star Franculino, the duo developed a good friendship.

“And it was fun to see here that at Midtjylland, Franculino Djú, who we also sold this summer for a historic amount to Trabzonspor and who arrived at the same time and at the same age, became best friends with Darío and started talking with each other on the pitch, even when Osorio understood nothing.”

Zero doubt about suitability

The left-footed South American’s on-pitch personality shines through. Kjaer believes his unselfish tendency will be useful at Selhurst Park.

“Then, from a character point of view, I would say he consistently puts the team above his own numbers. That’s also demonstrated by his defensive work rate. Again, he works very hard in favour of the club.”

“And also, in his farewell, he thanked the coach, the medical staff and the coaching staff before anyone else. That shows a lot about his character, I believe.”

From a tactical standpoint, Kjaer has no doubt the Crystal Palace transfer will go down well.

Apart from his ability on the ball, Osorio’s workrate puts him in good stead for Premier League football.

“I would say the defensive work rate [is something to watch out for]. But from an offensive mindset, it’s how fast he is with the ball. He can go left of the direct opponent, he can go right.”

“And then, of course, his shooting. His strengths are his long-range shooting, finishing technique and crossing with his very precise left foot. And then his high top-end speed and pressing abilities are also what make him very interesting.”

“And then his character will fit the Premier League extremely well too.”

Dario Osorio has already played over 20 times for the Chilean national team and once he adapts to English football, he can progress further.