Crystal Palace had an inconsistent 2023-24 season. They had a rough start to the campaign which also saw Roy Hodgson face immense criticism. His failure to improve results along with some of his comments about the club’s young players saw him getting sacked.
Palace then employed Oliver Glasner, who has made a brilliant start to life at Selhurst Park. He implemented an attacking style of football, which saw them score goals for fun and become one of the most watchable Premier League sides. The likes of Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Michael Olise shone under Glasner.
The Eagles eventually finished 10th in the table with six wins and one draw in their last seven games. This includes results like a 1-0 win at Anfield, a 4-0 win over Manchester United, and a 5-0 win over West Ham United.
Crystal Palace have been a mid-table team for a long time now. They always stay clear of the relegation zone but also tend to finish mid-table. After Glasner’s start at the club last season, they will now look to push on and finish in the top half or even challenge for European spots.
However, they could lose a number of their key players and will need to strengthen massively in the transfer market.
Transfer Strategy
Crystal Palace aren’t one of the highest spenders in the Premier League or even the clubs around them in the table. They spent around €67 million last summer and in January.
They often believe in smart transfers or finding gems from the EFL Championship. They have recently brought the likes of Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise from the Championship, who have been nothing short of sensational.
One issue for Palace, though, is their inability to keep hold of their star players. They lost Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer last summer while the likes of Olise and Eze are attracting great interest this summer.
It will be interesting to see if the Eagles decide to spend more if they get good fees from selling players.
Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeping
After parting ways with Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland, Crystal Palace signed Dean Henderson as their first-choice goalkeeper and he’s been excellent. They also have Sam Johnstone and Remi Matthews as his backup so they appear set in the goalkeeping department.
Defense
The Eagles conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season, which was equal as Manchester United and less than five other teams in the Top 10 in the table. Their defense did well last season.
However, Marc Guehi is attracting plenty of interest, especially after his performances with England at Euro 2024, which could see him depart this summer.
Midfield
Crystal Palace suffered in midfield under Roy Hodgson, especially with the likes of Eberechi Eze out injured and the young players failing to make an impact. However, Adam Wharton’s arrival and Glasner’s appointment sturdied their midfield well.
Eze and Wharton, though, are attracting interest from many clubs and it will be tough to keep them at Selhurst Park this summer.
Attack
Attack is arguably the biggest are of concern for Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta did brilliantly in the second half of last season. However, if he’ll be able to keep up his form remains to be seen.
Moreover, Michael Olise is set to join Bayern Munich, which leaves a huge gap in attack for the Eagles. They will need a big signing to fill the Frenchman’s shoes.
Signings Completed
Crystal Palace are one of the very few clubs that have completed some business already. They have signed attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada on a free transfer after he left Lazio. The Japanese had an excellent spell previously under Oliver Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt.
They have also signed centre-back Chadi Riad from Real Betis for €15 million.
In terms of outgoings, they are set to part ways with Michael Olise, who has joined Bayern Munich in a deal worth £50 million, including add-ons.
Top Targets
Crystal Palace have been linked with left-back Ryan Sessegnon, who left Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent this summer. The Englishman had major injury issues throughout his spell at Spurs but is close to full fitness after surgery. He is currently training with Palace, who hope to sign him permanently.
The Eagles have also been linked with Trabzonspor midfielder Batista Mendy, who could cost around £15 million. Along with him, they have been linked with midfielder Arthur Melo, who had a loan spell at Liverpool.
Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is also reportedly interested in a move to Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner’s side have also been linked with Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
Financial Capabilities
Crystal Palace spent over €67 million last time but lost a few players on free transfers. They aren’t the highest spenders amongst the clubs around them but it could potentially change this summer.
They have already sold Michael Olise for around £50 million. Meanwhile, Eze is also on the radar of multiple clubs. He has a release clause of £68 million. If these sales go through, Palace will need big replacements but they will have the funds for that as well.
Moreover, they have already signed two players and the club appears set to back Glasner to progress further. Hence, we could see some big expenditure from the Eagles this summer.