Will Hughes has discovered a new lease of life at Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.
The Crystal Palace No.19 seemed set to leave on a free transfer at the end of last season after failing to really stand out under Roy Hodgson, although six consecutive Premier League starts alongside Adam Wharton triggered a 12-month extension in his contract.
A stunning performance in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City was the latest in a string of excellent displays from the £6m man, although Crystal Palace are currently set to lose the midfielder for nothing when his contract expires in June.
Now – thanks to The Athletic – it has been revealed whether Will Hughes actually wants to stay at Selhurst Park or not.
Will Hughes happy at Crystal Palace
The Athletic state that the 29-year-old is content in SE25 and open to staying at Crystal Palace if a new contract is offered.
Hughes has been at Selhurst Park since arriving from Watford back in August 2021 – joining in Patrick Vieira’s first summer as manager – amassing 99 appearances in total for the Eagles so far.
Sunday’s clash at Brighton could see him make his 100th Crystal Palace appearance.
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The man from Weybridge earns £50,000-a-week on his current terms, which seems excellent value for what he brings to the side.
Crystal Palace's Will Hughes during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City FC at Selhurst Park on December 7, 2024 ...
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
It is said that Hughes is also considered to be one of the dressing room’s leaders at Crystal Palace, with Glasner valuing the energy he brings to the team.
Interestingly, The Athletic add that the Derby County academy graduate was actually signed to be a long-term replacement for James McArthur, and he is certainly emulating the Scot’s passion on the pitch so far this season.
Crystal Palace have other contract issues to deal with
Hughes is not the only one with an uncertain future in south London.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is haggling with Crystal Palace over a new contract, with the Frenchman eager to see his £90,000-a-week demands met as his current deal expires in June 2026.
Crystal Palace's Will Hughes (right) congratulates winning goal scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta at the end of the match during the Premier League match...
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Crystal Palace are also trying to sign Marc Guehi to a new contract, but the England international is yet to put pen to paper amid interest from the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Tyrick Mitchell also becomes a free agent in June 2025 – like Hughes – as things stand, so Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have a lot of work to do on this front.
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