Crystal Palace set to sign Walter Benitez on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have all but completed the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Walter Benitez from PSV Eindhoven as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

According to BBC, the 32-year-old has already passed a medical, and the Eagles will officially announce the transfer once the final paperwork is completed.

Benitez leaves PSV after a successful three-year spell, where he played a key role in back-to-back Eredivisie title wins, including last season’s dramatic smash-and-grab triumph over rivals Ajax.

He also featured in 11 of their 12 Champions League games last season, helping the Dutch side reach the last 16 before bowing out to Arsenal.

At Selhurst Park, Benitez will provide competition and cover for first-choice keeper Dean Henderson.

With Matt Turner returning to Nottingham Forest after his loan spell, Palace want to bring in an experienced and reliable keeper to back up Henderson.

Turner is set to join Ligue 1 side Lyon after they agreed an €8 million (£6.74m) deal with Forest, while third choice Remi Matthews, who only featured once for Palace last season, has signed a new deal.

Benitez brings a wealth of experience between the sticks. Before he joined PSV, he spent six years at French side OGC Nice and racked up 188 appearances.

He was at the peak of his powers in 2018/19 when he was ranked among the best shot-stoppers in Europe after preventing nearly 13 goals above expected based on the quality of shots he faced.

Since he joined PSV in 2022, Benitez has featured 134 times and leaves as an Eredivisie champion. No player racked up more minutes for the Dutch side throughout their last two title-winning campaigns.

Benitez is a calming yet commanding presence at the back and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.