By Martin Graham
Crystal Palace are experiencing a period unlike any in their history. Supporters have been celebrating on social media as the club prepare for their maiden journey in European competition, beginning on Thursday against Dynamo Kyiv in Poland in the Conference League.
This continental campaign comes on the back of last season’s memorable FA Cup win, their return to Wembley in August to claim the Community Shield by defeating Liverpool, and an undefeated league run that has placed them third in the Premier League.
But despite the excitement surrounding the club, doubts loom over what lies ahead.
Key figures facing uncertain futures
Captain Marc Guehi is entering the final nine months of his contract and, unless there is a major shift, will depart for nothing in the summer. Midfield conductor Adam Wharton has also attracted the attention of top European clubs.
Most significantly, the man behind Palace’s rise, head coach Oliver Glasner, is also nearing the end of his agreement. His deal runs out at the close of this season, and at present he is expected to leave.
Glasner’s journey from surviving a life-threatening brain haemorrhage as a player to becoming one of Europe’s most respected coaches is well known. Since arriving at Selhurst Park, he has elevated a club long satisfied with avoiding relegation.
Hesitation over commitment
According to sources, Palace offered Glasner an extension in the summer, but he chose not to sign. Instead, he waited to see how the board would handle transfers, questioning their ambition.
During a window where Palace posted a profit of £16.3m, Glasner voiced concerns about the club’s direction. Only one of their five recruits, Yeremy Pino, has started in the league.
Further frustration arose when UEFA demoted Palace from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership breaches, placing them instead in the Conference League.
Given those developments, his reluctance to commit to new terms is understandable.
What could persuade him to stay
The possibility of Glasner remaining cannot be dismissed completely, though insiders suggest the likelihood is slim. They point to the lack of investment as proof that the coach and the hierarchy differ in their ambitions.
Still, Palace hope to convince him. Granting him more influence in transfers may encourage fresh talks. However, Glasner already demonstrated authority in this area when he blocked Guehi’s move to Liverpool despite an agreement being reached between clubs.
Former Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs has also begun working at Selhurst Park, taking over from Dougie Freedman. How Hobbs’ recruitment ideas will align with Glasner’s remains to be seen.
Squad challenges ahead
Palace must also navigate the situations surrounding Guehi and Wharton. Guehi, now 25, is expected to walk away on a free transfer, leaving the club to source a new defender without income from his departure.
Wharton, under contract until 2029, may yet agree to fresh terms. Talks could include a release clause exceeding £75m, which would protect the club while satisfying the player’s ambitions.
The club are also monitoring AZ Alkmaar teenager Kees Smit as a potential future midfield option.
For Glasner, though, the prospect of losing both Guehi and Wharton after already seeing Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze leave raises further doubts about the project’s sustainability.
Attraction from elsewhere
Glasner’s stock has never been higher, with leading clubs monitoring him. He is regarded as a candidate should Manchester United part ways with Ruben Amorim, though insiders maintain Amorim retains support.
Bayern Munich, who tried to secure him in 2024, are also keeping track, even as Vincent Kompany’s position appears safe.
While Glasner is admired for his tactical work out of possession, questions remain over how he might adapt with a squad expected to dominate possession at a top club.
Palace’s hope and Glasner’s dilemma
Palace supporters cherish their manager, and Glasner has forged a close connection with his squad. Achieving Champions League qualification this season could be a decisive factor in his decision-making.
Yet even with that possibility, the club recognise that Glasner is destined for a bigger stage at some point. Their challenge is to delay that move for as long as possible.
