Crystal Palace’s off-season has been anything but straightforward, dominated by developments away from the pitch. What should have been a time of celebration following their FA Cup victory in May has instead been marked by legal disputes and ownership changes.
The club’s unsuccessful attempt to retain a Europa League spot has taken center stage. Their case is now set for appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 8 August, with a verdict anticipated three days later. A drop into the Europa Conference League could impact both prestige and planning.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, there has been a shift in ownership. American businessman Woody Johnson has acquired shares previously held by former co-owner John Textor, further altering the club’s leadership structure.
Squad uncertainty and contract questions
On the field, things remain unclear. Central defender Marc Guehi and playmaker Eberechi Eze are both attracting attention from top Premier League teams. Eze’s situation is partly out of Palace’s hands – he has a £68m release clause in his contract, which expires two weeks before the window shuts. Arsenal are monitoring him but have yet to meet that figure. They value him lower and may wait to offload another forward first. Eze, while open to a move, remains closely connected to the club’s dressing room atmosphere and isn’t actively seeking a transfer.
In Guehi’s case, the scenario is more complex. With under a year left on his current deal, the center-back could depart for free in 2026. Palace previously rejected a £65m approach for him and now reportedly wants around £40m. Liverpool are interested, though only at the right valuation. Other clubs like Tottenham, Newcastle, and Chelsea have also been linked. Guehi could opt to stay until his deal expires, though the risk of injury could complicate that decision.
Adding to the uncertainty, head coach Oliver Glasner is also in the final year of his contract. Talks are ongoing, but the Austrian appears reluctant to commit before knowing the full outcome of the transfer window. He recently voiced his frustration over the slow recruitment, revealing he currently has just 17 senior outfield players. Glasner had expected more activity earlier in the summer and warned that last-minute transfers, like in previous years, could again hurt their season’s start.
Recruitment issues follow Freedman’s exit
The loss of former sporting director Dougie Freedman has left a significant gap. Having overseen much of the planning for this window, his departure for a role in Saudi Arabia has disrupted operations. Ben Stevens and Iain Moody have stepped in to help fill the void, but the absence of Freedman’s long-term vision has been felt.
Many of the club’s top signings in recent years – including Eze, Guehi, Olise, Wharton, and others – were brought in under Freedman’s guidance. His eye for emerging talent was key to Palace’s recent progress. While Stevens is leaning on Freedman’s input where possible, the club is evaluating whether to appoint a direct replacement or bring in a senior scout to continue identifying potential gems.
Former Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs has been suggested as a possible candidate for a full-time role. Palace’s American investors are believed to be supportive of a structured recruitment department, whether that means a new director or expanding the responsibilities of existing staff.
So far, the only additions to the squad are a free-transfer goalkeeper and a £3m left-back – far from the overhaul that may be required if key players depart. As Palace waits for clarity from the courtroom and potential transfer moves, their plans for the season ahead remain on unstable ground.
