Dean Henderson in an Aston Villa shirt next to a Crystal Palace badge
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Max Wilkins
Mon 23 February 2026 11:10, UK
Aston Villa could move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson in the summer.
The Eagles keeper has been a consistent star in recent years and has become club captain after Marc Guehi’s departure.
His performances haven’t fallen off at Selhurst Park, despite the fury surrounding Oliver Glasner and his comments aimed towards supporters.
The Austrian has contributed to a toxic atmosphere in Croydon that could end with key players departing at the end of the campaign.
Henderson could be one of those to leave, and a move to Villa Park could be on the cards, should an Emi Martinez replacement be needed.
Oliver Glasner hits out at #CPFC fans demanding his sacking:
🗣️ “Stay humble. Never forget where you’re coming from. I think a few who are so critical in this situation are not humble anymore. Forget where you are coming from and usually in life you are punished for this” pic.twitter.com/EmXbPnxONx
— James Savundra (@JamesSavundra) February 20, 2026
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Dean Henderson could be available for Crystal Palace summer exit
The Villans may be in need of a new goalkeeper in the summer if the Argentina international is to finally depart B6.
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It looked as if he would leave last summer, but despite his best efforts, the 33-year-old was forced to stick around the Midlands for another season.
Martinez could now prepare for a Villa exit at the end of the season, with James Trafford mooted as a potential alternative.
Aston Villa James Trafford Manchester City stats
Former B6 scout Bryan King has suggested that Henderson could also be a useful option should he become available at Crystal Palace.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “If I were looking for a new keeper, I’d be interested in Trafford or Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace.
Aston Villa Dean Henderson Crystal Palace stats
“We shall have to see where Martinez goes. He’ll be going to the World Cup, and if he wants a summer move, he’ll have to produce some good performances.
“I would think Trafford has more chance of being available, but Palace are in a bit of a situation with the manager right now.
“*It will be interesting to see how that unfolds.*“
Would Henderson be a better signing than James Trafford?
The two English goalkeepers represent two sides of a similar coin as the Villans potentially go on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Henderson is certainly the more experienced of the two and has a reputation for being a very useful shotstopper in the Premier League.
Trafford, however, is a younger option at 23 and has the potential to become one of the better keeper options in the Premier League, even after becoming a bit-part player at Manchester City.
"I tried to guard against this situation happening, but it's the reality."
Man City's James Trafford says he has to give it his "best shot" every time he plays, after not getting the game time he expected when he joined the club 💪 pic.twitter.com/ATkpVhF7Sz
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 14, 2026
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There are high hopes that he can become the number one replacement for Jordan Pickford for England, so there are certainly pros to both.
It will certainly be interesting to see where Villa go in the upcoming window and whether Martinez is replaced.
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