Crystal Palace mailbag: Targeting Andoni Iraola, Adam Wharton’s future, summer recruitment and stadium update | OneFootball

Crystal Palace resume after a three-week pause, juggling a Conference League tilt with early preparations for a pivotal summer.

According to NY Times, eight league games remain and there is a slim chance of beating last season’s 53 points. A 10-point cushion over third-bottom West Ham makes relegation unlikely.

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is a leading target who fits the brief and, with his deal up this summer, would not require compensation. The club want front-foot football and could revert to a back four, and the aim is to appoint by day one of pre-season and ideally before the World Cup in early June.

Palace favour out-of-work candidates but would pay for the right option. Thomas Frank is under consideration after his February exit from Tottenham.

Recruitment will tilt younger and be shaped by exits, with a forward and at least one midfielder sought. Spending will be measured after recent major outlays, while Matt Hobbs continues within an expanded recruitment set-up.

Adam Wharton, contracted to 2029, need not be sold, though a future move could fund a rebuild. Jefferson Lerma’s one-year option is likely to be triggered, and Palace will seek a buyer for Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Maxence Lacroix is seen as a cornerstone alongside Chris Richards if a back four returns, with Jaydee Canvot and Chadi Riad in reserve. Daniel Munoz could depart for a good fee.

The Main Stand project has lagged, but with permissions and properties secured, demolition is intended to start post-season.

Source: NY Times