Crystal Palace are set for a significant summer of change after manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, while captain Marc Guéhi is on the brink of a transfer to Manchester City.
Glasner's Departure Confirmed After October Decision
Oliver Glasner has revealed that his decision to leave Selhurst Park was made months ago, following a meeting with chairman Steve Parish during the October international break. The Austrian manager, whose contract expires this summer, informed Parish at that time that he would not be signing a new deal and desired a fresh challenge. The pair agreed to keep the news confidential until now to maintain stability.
"A decision has already been taken, months ago," Glasner stated ahead of Palace's match at Sunderland. "I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed it was best to keep it between us... But now it's important to have clarity." Glasner, who led the Eagles to their historic FA Cup triumph last season, has recently been linked with the managerial vacancy at Manchester United.
Guéhi Transfer to Manchester City in Final Stages
In a double blow for Palace fans, Glasner also confirmed that defender Marc Guéhi is close to completing a high-profile move away from the club. The England international was omitted from the squad for the trip to Sunderland, with negotiations for his transfer in their concluding phase.
"My latest understanding is that a deal with Marc is in the final stages," Glasner said. "I can't confirm a club, because it's still not done but it's in the final stages. The result is that Marc doesn't play tomorrow for us." Multiple reports indicate that Premier League champions Manchester City are the club poised to secure Guéhi's signature.
Implications for Crystal Palace's Future
The imminent exits of both a trophy-winning manager and the club captain, who is a defensive cornerstone, mark a pivotal moment for Crystal Palace. The club now faces the dual task of appointing a new manager to build upon Glasner's legacy and reinvesting the substantial fee expected for Guéhi to strengthen the squad.
Glasner emphasised that the delayed announcement was intended to allow the team to focus during a busy fixture schedule. He and Parish have stated their shared commitment to acting in the best interests of the club during this transitional period. The search for Glasner's successor is now expected to accelerate, with pre-season planning for the 2024/25 campaign needing to commence swiftly.
