Crystal Palace’s chaotic window: Record signings, Guehi gone, but are they stronger? | OneFootball

Crystal Palace tore up their winter script, twice breaking their transfer record and selling captain Marc Guehi, leaving a muddled window and a lingering question over whether they are stronger.

According to NY Times, Brennan Johnson arrived from Tottenham for £35m on day one, then Jorgen Strand Larsen signed from Wolves for an initial £43m on deadline day. Evann Guessand joined on loan from Aston Villa for £2m, with a £28m summer option.

Guehi moved to Manchester City for £20m after Oliver Glasner revealed his exit was imminent, yet no centre-back replacement arrived despite efforts. A 12-game winless run and Glasner’s confirmation he will depart in the summer framed the urgency.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s switch to Milan collapsed after medical checks and associated costs, and Juventus interest did not progress. A late move for Dwight McNeil fell apart when terms pivoted to a loan with obligation, and Palace regret the communication fallout.

Strand Larsen was a premium purchase, but his profile and 14 league goals last season appealed. Mateta, carrying a knee issue, has one goal in 12 and is underperforming his expected goals, and the likelihood is he leaves in the summer.

Palace tried for Tomas Araujo at Benfica and Joel Ordonez at Club Brugge, weighed Maximilian Kilman, and explored a loan for Ethan Pinnock, but Brentford wanted a permanent deal beyond Palace’s valuation.

They spent an initial £80m on three attackers and recouped £20m, while Johnson has yet to ignite across six outings. With no defensive replacement and midfield unchanged, the attack looks deeper, but the defence plainly does not.

Source: NY Times