Guehi, Glasner and growing ambitions define Palace’s transfer window | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Transfers: Rebuilding for Europe While Fending Off Suitors

Crystal Palace find themselves entering one of the most consequential transfer windows in their history. A season that delivered FA Cup glory and secured European football has elevated expectations and market value, but it has also triggered external interest in their most important players. With Europa League demands looming, Oliver Glasner must walk a fine line between ambition and pragmatism.

Centre-back dilemma grows as Guehi exit looms

The defensive core at Selhurst Park is under scrutiny. Chelsea’s decision to end Trevoh Chalobah’s loan early exposed the squad’s fragility in the second half of the campaign. Now, with Marc Guehi entering the final year of his contract and showing no willingness to renew, Palace are bracing themselves for offers.

Guehi has seemingly rejected all contract talk, and with Newcastle and Chelsea circling, the likelihood of a summer sale increases. His departure would leave Glasner with Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards and Chadi Riad – a trio short on top-level consistency. Jefferson Lerma has deputised at centre-back but is no long-term solution.

Strengthening this position is Palace’s most pressing need, and it’s where much of the early summer energy will be directed.

Wing-back reinforcements and attacking upgrades on Glasner’s wishlist

Beyond the centre of defence, depth at wing-back is a concern. Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz shouldered almost all of the workload last season, and injuries or suspensions would leave the squad exposed. Cover is essential, and a permanent deal for Ben Chilwell is reportedly under consideration, especially after the club’s £12.5 million bid for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was rejected in January.

Photo: IMAGO

Glasner also wants attackers to broaden his tactical options, especially given the club’s dual commitments in domestic and European competition. A central midfielder and a back-up goalkeeper are on the radar, albeit further down the priority list.

Departures, uncertainty, and planning post-Freedman

Sporting director Dougie Freedman’s March exit for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Diriyah cast a shadow over planning, but the groundwork had been laid. Assistant sporting director Ben Stevens and consultant Iain Moody are working from Freedman’s blueprint, with summer targets identified.

However, the risk of losing more than just Guehi is real. After such an impressive season for many of the Palace squad, there will be suitors for Eze, Wharton, Mateta and many more. Holding onto that core will be just as critical as bringing in new blood.

Departures seem inevitable. Rob Holding will leave. Offers will be considered for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Naouirou Ahamada and Odsonne Edouard. Palace may resist a full-scale overhaul, but financial realities and player ambitions may intervene.

Europa League challenge shapes Palace’s transfer identity

What Palace do this summer will shape more than their European journey – it could determine their standing in the Premier League for seasons to come. Balancing the pull of progress with the demands of retention is never simple, but this window offers a chance to reframe Crystal Palace not just as survivors, but as strategists.