Crystal Palace enter the summer of 2025 not as Premier League survivors, but as a side on the rise. After a landmark 2024–25 season in which they lifted their first-ever FA Cup and secured European football for the upcoming campaign, the South London club finds itself in uncharted territory. There is optimism swirling around Selhurst Park, but also a sharp awareness that success in the Premier League is a delicate balance between ambition, planning, and execution. The pressure is on manager Oliver Glasner and the club’s hierarchy to ensure this summer’s transfer activity supports a campaign that will demand more from this group than ever before.
Having claimed the FA Cup and finished strongly in the league, Palace’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League brings with it new challenges. There will be more fixtures, a heavier travel schedule, and higher expectations from fans and media alike. Glasner has already made it clear that the team must evolve to compete on multiple fronts. The current squad, while talented and cohesive, lacks the depth required to sustain consistent performances across four competitions. The German tactician has emphasized the importance of intelligent recruitment, especially as the club could face the potential departure of some of its most prized assets.
At the heart of Crystal Palace’s summer puzzle is the future of centre-back Marc Guehi. The England international has emerged as one of the most composed and intelligent defenders in the league. With just a year remaining on his contract and no extension agreed upon, the club is confronted with a familiar dilemma. Should they sell now and secure a significant fee, or hold on and risk losing him for nothing next summer? Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich are reportedly circling, and Guehi’s performances at the international level have only heightened his value. Palace, aware of the strategic importance of this decision, have already lined up potential replacements should they decide to cash in.
Names such as Strahinja Pavlovic have been linked to the club as a direct replacement. The Serbian defender’s strength, aerial prowess, and experience in European competition make him a compelling candidate. Other options being explored include Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tiago Djalo, and Maxime Esteve—all young, mobile defenders with room to grow. Glasner is known for his structured defensive approach, and whoever comes in will need to quickly adapt to a system that demands discipline and high line management.
In the midfield and attacking thirds, Crystal Palace are facing an equally pressing concern—the growing interest in Eberechi Eze. The dazzling playmaker was the creative heartbeat of the team last season, recording double-digit goals and assists while captivating fans with his dribbling, vision, and flair. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and several top clubs in England and Europe are reportedly willing to activate a release clause believed to be in the region of £65 million. For Palace, retaining Eze would send a powerful message about their ambitions, but they must also be prepared to replace him if the right offer materializes. Losing both Guehi and Eze in one summer would be a massive blow, but it may also fund a strategic rebuild that could strengthen the squad across multiple positions.
The club’s recruitment strategy this summer reflects a balance between ambition and sustainability. Palace are not expected to engage in reckless spending, but rather calculated investments that support Glasner’s tactical philosophy. Young talent is a key component of the blueprint. Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Jude, is one of the names touted as a potential midfield reinforcement. His physicality, composure, and ability to carry the ball make him an exciting long-term prospect. Lens midfielder Cheick Doucouré is another target, potentially returning to the club after recovering from a serious injury that derailed his previous season. If healthy, he could provide immediate quality and depth in central midfield.
Up front, Palace are actively searching for more firepower. Despite a solid output from the existing frontline, the club lacked a consistent goal scorer who could carry them through tough fixtures. With the increased demands of European football, having a striker capable of scoring 15 to 20 goals a season becomes even more crucial. Interest has been registered in players like Lorenzo Lucca of Udinese and Matias Soule from Roma. Both offer physical presence, technical ability, and a strong work ethic—traits Glasner values in forward players.
The wings are another area targeted for reinforcement. Even if Eze stays, Palace are looking to add more variety in the wide areas. Their current options have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency. A winger who can stretch the pitch, beat defenders one-on-one, and deliver quality crosses could be a game-changer, particularly against deep-lying defensive setups. Scouts have been dispatched across Europe, with several emerging names from the French and Dutch leagues under consideration.
Goalkeeper depth is also being addressed. With Dean Henderson firmly established as the club’s number one, Palace are securing reliable cover and development options. Walter Benítez, an experienced shot-stopper, is set to join the squad, providing Glasner with a seasoned backup. The club is also keeping an eye on promising young keepers who can be developed over time within the system.
The spine of the team is solid, with key players like Adam Wharton, Joachim Andersen, and Michael Olise expected to play vital roles in the upcoming season. Glasner has been working closely with the training staff to improve fitness levels and reduce injury risks, particularly for players with heavy workloads. The club’s medical and performance departments have introduced new recovery protocols to help manage the demands of a congested fixture list.
One of the more overlooked yet critical aspects of the summer preparation is the pre-season schedule. Palace are planning a robust series of friendly matches, both in the UK and abroad, designed to fine-tune tactics, test squad combinations, and build chemistry among new signings. Glasner is keen to ensure that players adapt quickly to his high-pressing, counter-attacking style. The pre-season will also serve as an opportunity for academy graduates and fringe players to stake their claim for minutes in the first team.
Youth development continues to be a pillar of the club’s identity. Rising stars such as winger Asher Agbinone and midfielder Aiden Steele have impressed at youth level and are being integrated into the senior setup. Palace are committed to creating a clear pathway from the academy to the first team, and the success of players like Tyrique Mitchell and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is proof that the model works. These young players not only offer cost-effective options but also embody the values and culture of the club.
As the summer window progresses, fans will be watching closely. There is cautious optimism at Selhurst Park, but also a recognition that this summer could define the next five years of the club’s trajectory. A successful window would cement Palace as a genuine top-ten side capable of competing in Europe. A poor one, especially if marquee players depart without adequate replacements, could lead to a regression that undoes the progress of the past two seasons.
The expectations are higher than ever, but so are the stakes. With a tactical manager in Glasner, a unified dressing room, and a board willing to back the project within reason, Crystal Palace are not just preparing for survival or mid-table obscurity. They are preparing to make a statement in England and abroad. This is the most important summer in the club’s modern history, and the work being done behind the scenes reflects a club that finally believes it belongs at the top table.
Selhurst Park will be rocking on opening day. Fans know that their club has crossed a threshold and are hungry for more. For the first time in decades, Crystal Palace begin a Premier League season not hoping to avoid relegation, but with eyes fixed firmly on Europe, on silverware, on rewriting the club’s history. Whether this bold ambition bears fruit will depend entirely on how effectively the club navigates this pivotal summer.
