Crystal Palace are basking in the glow of their first-ever major trophy, but soon the focus will shift to whether they can keep this group together for a European adventure.
Saturday’s dramatic 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley was a defining moment for the club. However, with seven key men facing uncertain futures, this summer promises to become one of the most significant periods in Palace’s modern history.
Crystal Palace: Guehi, Wharton, Eze, and Mateta Updates
They face a fight to keep hold of them
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner watching on
A headline concern is Marc Guehi, who has just one year remaining on his contract and is wanted by a host of elite clubs. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all circling, while interest has also emerged from Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Palace had previously been braced for bids in the region of £50 million, but following their cup triumph and the lure of Europa League football, they may now hold out for more. Even so, there remains a sense that this will be their final opportunity to cash in.
Eberechi Eze is another name that could define Palace’s summer. The match-winner at Wembley has long been admired for his game-changing ability, and top clubs are once again monitoring his situation. Arsenal could step up their interest, particularly as they seek a left-sided attacking option, while Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are also keeping tabs. A release clause adds intrigue, although Palace avoided losing him under its terms in the last window.
gms_Eze
In the hours following the cup final, sources close to the situation suggested it is “not impossible” he stays - but there is an acceptance that a significant offer from a Champions League club could prove persuasive.
Adam Wharton has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most talked-about young midfielders, and Manchester City are firm admirers. Manchester United and Tottenham also have him on their radar, but Palace are determined not to lose him. Suggestions of a £60 million price tag may ultimately prove low — insiders believe the club value him more highly and would resist all but astronomical offers this summer.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is in talks over a new contract, and the opportunity to play in Europe could help convince him to stay. Manchester United have been linked, particularly if they fail to land higher-profile forward targets, with a fee in the region of £40 million being discussed. Palace, however, feel they are in a strong position and are increasingly confident that he will remain at the club. There has also been speculation around Ismaila Sarr, with Newcastle and Aston Villa mentioned as possible suitors. However, sources at Palace downplay any serious prospect of a departure at this stage.
Tyrick Mitchell has had an impressive season and is attracting admiration from several clubs. Tottenham’s interest appears the most serious, but Palace would aim to price him out of a move if any concrete bid were to arrive. It is not just the players drawing attention.
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Glasner Also Attracting Interest at Palace
Tottenham are admirers
Oliver Glasner
Manager Oliver Glasner has enhanced his growing reputation by guiding Palace to FA Cup glory - and doing so by tactically outmanoeuvring Pep Guardiola on the biggest stage only adds to the weight of his achievement. Tottenham are admirers - as they have been with several players mentioned in this piece - yet the most serious link so far has been with RB Leipzig.
Glasner has publicly played that down, and Palace are very confident he will stay on to lead the club into Europe next season. This is a thrilling time in South London and behind the scenes, a battle is getting underway to ensure that this landmark moment becomes a foundation, not a farewell.
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