Nightmare Day for Crystal Palace as Marc Guehi and Oliver Glasner Exits Confirmed

Crystal Palace fans have been dealt a double blow as Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave at the end of the season, while Marc Guehi is set to join Manchester City.

The news leaves Palace bracing for a summer of transition, with key departures set to reshape both the squad and the club’s Premier League ambitions.

Oliver Glasner confirms Crystal Palace exit

Glasner, whose contract runs until June, announced he will not be renewing his stay at Selhurst Park and wants a “new challenge” after two years in South London.

Speaking at a press conference, the Austrian said, “I had a meeting in October with Steve Parish. We agreed it was best to keep it confidential.

“Today I told the team. It’s now important to have clarity. This is what the players deserve, this is what fans deserve.”

Glasner joined Palace after a successful spell with Eintracht Frankfurt and became a club hero by guiding the Eagles to their first major trophy in 70 years by winnig the FA Cup last May.

However, this season has been far from triumphant, with Palace suffering a Third Round exit from the FA Cup at the hands of non-league Macclesfield.

Glasner is the leading candidate for the Manchester United job next season, with bookmakers making him the favourite alongside other high-profile names including Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, and Xabi Alonso.

Marc Guehi set for £20m Man City transfer

Adding to the blow for Palace fans, club captain Marc Guehi is close to joining Manchester City on a deal reportedly worth £20 million plus bonuses, running until June 2031.

Guehi had no intention of extending his contract beyond June 2025, leaving Palace with little choice but to cash in during the winter window.

The 25-year-old has made 187 first-team appearances for Palace since arriving from Chelsea in 2021 and captained the club to the FA Cup triumph over City at Wembley.

He has also earned 26 caps for England, featuring in Euro 2024 and poised to play a key role at the upcoming World Cup.

Palace manager Glasner confirmed the defender will miss Saturday’s trip to Sunderland, adding, “The latest understanding is the deal is in the final stages.

“I cannot confirm the club’s [latest]. It’s not done. But the result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us.”

The Eagles have been preparing for his departure, recruiting Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse last summer as a potential successor.

Meanwhile, the likes of Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Chadi Riad, and Jefferson Lerma are also expected to step into central defensive roles as the club gets through the rest of the season.

Man City January Transfer Activity

City’s pursuit of Guehi comes amid an ambitious January window that has already seen them sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £62.5m.

Injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias accelerated the move, with Manchester City keen to reinforce their defensive options for the remainder of the season.

Guehi’s technical ability, leadership, and homegrown status make him an ideal fit for a Man City team preparing for life after Pep Guardiola.

While his departure will undoubtedly leave a huge gap for Palace, the club will recoup a significant portion of their investment and have already positioned Canvot and other young defenders to gradually fill the void.

Ultimately, though, the double announcement marks a tough period for Crystal Palace.

Losing both a trophy-winning manager and a club captain in quick succession will test the depth of their squad, but also presents a chance to rebuild with fresh leadership and emerging talent.

But in the Premier League, that’s easier said than done.