Crystal Palace

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We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Crystal Palace before the new campaign and why.

Here are some of your comments:

Sam: New contracts should be given to our crucial midfield duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada after appointing Pierre Sage as new manager. The priority is keeping crucial players while adding more strength in positions that need it, for example, a stronger left-winger. Although Pino is developing well, we need a player who can get more goals and assists in that position.

Lee: Physical evidence of the new stand and ground improvements are needed. Plus the first-team squad being beefed up in all areas. Also more proof that there's a tangible pathway from the under-21s and under-18s to the first team and players that have been on loan given a chance in the first team pre-season. The academy is finally finished and more backing for the women's team in the WSL to stay there and grow.

Ollie: Clearly there will be a new manager - hopefully to be announced very soon - and in terms of the squad, much will depend on which players leave and whether any of the young players on loan and on the fringe of the squad are deemed good enough to play a role next season. I think we should sign three first-team ready players to build a stronger squad to compete in the Europa League and Premier League next season, given the obvious struggles we had this year from mid-season onwards, once the toll of playing three times a week really kicked in. If any key players leave, such as Wharton, Kamada or Mateta, they will need to be replaced well too.

Joe: Assuming minimal outgoing transfers, adding depth to the squad, namely in central midfield and wing back, should be the top priority. Palace were really humming along until mid-autumn when the fixtures from the Conference League, League Cup and Premier League began to pile up. It was clear that Palace did not have the depth to navigate all of its competitions.

Mark: Dougie Freedman was an incredible director of football who recommended an incredible manager. Pierre Sage could be a great replacement for Glasner but he will need an excellent recruitment team behind him for the rebuild. I think that should be in focus now to get ready for Palace going up a level.

Gary: We need to do our transfer business early instead of waiting until the end of the window. Then we won't miss the better players.

Juventus have rekindled their interest in Crystal Palace and France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.

Which clubs have the most players?

Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).

Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.

The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.

• Get more key stats on participation

The 2026-27 Premier League season will be here before we know it, with the first matches taking place on Saturday, 22 August.

We have a simple question for you - what one thing needs to change at your club before the new campaign and why?

It can be a player, manager, ticketing issue, owner, or wider change.

Let us know in detail here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Former Botafogo sporting director Alessandro Brito is poised to join Crystal Palace as head scout.

Brito has left the Brazilian side after four years and is due to move to England once formalities are completed.

He helped identify Igor Jesus, John Victor and Jair Cunha for Botafogo, with all joining Nottingham Forest last summer.

Botafogo owner John Textor, a former co-owner of Palace, wanted to keep Brito but he opted to move on last month.

He helped Botafogo win the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in 2024 having joined in 2022.

Palace are looking for a new manager to replace Oliver Glasner and have been expected to speak to Lens boss Pierre Sage after Glasner left having guided them to the Europa Conference League title.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

10/10. The Premier League campaign was a disappointment but we all knew why. Sixty matches played, trophies bookending the season. The emotions are a combination of elation and exhaustion after a long journey back from Germany as winners.

Best moment and why?

Jean-Philippe Mateta's winner in Leipzig. The trademark celebration with other players and substitutes running with him to copy his corner flag kick. A player who we thought was gone in January, it may be his 62nd and final goal for the club but it's a historic one.

Player of season and why?

Ismaila Sarr. The first player to break 20 goals in a season since Glenn Murray over a decade ago. Golden Boot winner in the Conference League and was the star of the tournament en route to the final. He also managed to squeeze in an Afcon in the middle.

Unsung hero and why?

For a while, he was literally unsung, while the fans healed their relationship with Mateta and Oliver Glasner - but it's Tyrick Mitchell. A player of the season contender, if not for Sarr. There isn't a right winger in the league who enjoys playing against him.

Biggest disappointment?

That the story of Glasner and Crystal Palace is over. He sparked a paradigm shift at Palace and left the club in a better place than he found it. 121 matches, 53 wins, 193 goals and three trophies. The greatest the club has seen.

What needs to change this summer?

There are many in the group who will attract interest, especially those on show in the World Cup. Football is a game of recruitment at all levels and Palace will need to be prepared.

Hope for next season?

To visit Frankfurt. I've heard the Waldstadion is lovely in May.

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Departing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has written an open letter to the fans who believed, alongside him, that there is "nothing this club can't achieve".

During his two-year spell in charge at Selhurst Park, the Austrian took the Eagles to FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League glory.

In a letter published by Crystal Palace, external, Glasner said: "I am writing this the morning after the most magnificent evening in Leipzig, which so many of you will have enjoyed both here and at home, and I hope you all still have big smiles on your faces as we do.

"It is hard to explain how I feel leaving Crystal Palace after the last two years, but I have to say what a privilege it has been working for the football club. It is a period that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"I arrived at Selhurst Park as a stranger, now I feel like a South Londoner. Of course, all football fans will say their club is special, but Palace really is unique with a distinct energy rooted within the community and family at the core.

"Most of all, the club is built on the strongest of connections between the team and its fans. I feel very fortunate to have been on an amazing journey with you all during the time I have been here.

"Football - and football management - always comes back to results. Without results you don't stay in any place too long, but the results and even the trophies are not what has made me most proud. What I'm most proud of is being part of a team that we have built together and the bond between the players, the backroom staff, Steve [Parish], the board and, most importantly, you the supporters.

"Together we believed that there is nothing this club can't achieve, no opponent we could not defeat.

"I take with me many happy memories, but what stands out is the atmosphere you created at Selhurst Park on matchdays - the emotion, the intensity, the noise; all of which have provided the fuel for our talented players to express themselves and give their best.

"We created a mindset that we could compete. That doesn't mean you win every single game, but we have shown that Crystal Palace can fight against the very best teams at home and across the continent.

"We had the perfect ending in Leipzig. It was a game that showed just what this group has become. A team that refuses to give in and backs each other every step of the way.

"It will give me great pride to watch you in the Europa League next season, where I know you the supporters will give the team every chance of having another successful season.

"I want to thank you for your amazing support, your resilience and most of all your belief. I will continue to follow your progress and I anticipate your continued success - you deserve it.

"All the best, Oliver Glasner."

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We asked for your views on the news that Crystal Palace are set to hold talks with Lens boss Pierre Sage as they look for Oliver Glasner's replacement.

Here are some of your comments:

Allan: I hadn't heard of Oliver Glasner before his appointment and look at his success. Pierre Sage appears to be in the same position - I have no problem with his appointment.

Derek: I had never heard Sage's name, prior to some mention by various people, especially Palace fans. However, he appears to have all the right credentials, and if he wants the job, bring him in. All others are not what we need.

Peter: Of all the names being bandied about as the potential new Palace manager, I would much prefer Sage over all the others. I like what I've read about him and his style, so for us to get him would (hopefully) be good for the club. It would be too easy to say he's got big boots to fill following Glasner's record, and that would be unfair on Sage. Let's hope we get him and give him all our support from the board to the terraces.

Rich: We need to move on in a positive way from Glasner. This chap has a very good reputation and would build on the work Glasner and his team have done at Palace. If we could get him, it would be a great way to build on the strong foundations in place. I hope it's done soon and we also see some additional players of quality joining to add to the squad.

Oliver: I would be quite happy with Sage. His record at Lens has been very good, helping them win the Coupe de France and keeping them in a title race with PSG until the end of April. We need to keep the upward trajectory at Palace and I think he is by far the best out of the names being circled around.

Jake: An interesting choice. He seems to be a modern manager who is flexible in his tactics depending on the opposition. We do need to move away from the rigid tactics Glasner employed to get the best out of players like Eddie Nketiah and Jorgen Strand Larsen, so he seems to be a good option.

Chris: I doubt many Palace fans had heard of Glasner before we appointed him and that turned out OK, so I'll trust the board on this one.* (*Just as long as we don't go for Sean Dyche or Frank Lampard.)

Pedro: Sage is a young, forward-thinking and upwardly mobile manager. An exciting prospect who I'd welcome. Dyche and Thomas Frank aren't good fits. If not, then Kieran McKenna over Lampard. I never believed Andoni Iraola was coming.

Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.

The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.

It remains unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away from the club.

However, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.

Prudent Nsengiyumva
Sport journalist

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Pierre Sage's Lens side are built not only on aggressive pressing but also a willingness to attack quickly once the ball is won back.

The Opta numbers show a team intent on regaining possession high up the pitch. Lens have made 426 high turnovers this season, frequently turning those moments into chances, producing 69 shots and seven goals.

The focus isn't just on winning the ball, but on doing it in areas where they can immediately threaten. That approach shapes how they attack.

The Ligue 1 side have produced 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks this season, highlighting a clear preference for moving forward at speed rather than recycling possession.

Their overall profile reflects that trade-off.

Lens averaged 51.9% possession in 2025-26 - but their game is less about long spells on the ball and more about what happens the moment they win it back. It speaks to a deliberate strategy, rather than a lack of control.

The result is the clear identity of a side less concerned about dominating the ball and more focused on controlling games through pressure, regains and rapid transitions.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Lens boss Pierre Sage, who is said to be open to joining, is expected to meet Crystal Palace officials in the coming days as the Premier League club look to appoint Oliver Glasner's replacement.

The Eagles are set for disappointment in their efforts to hand the job to first-choice candidate Andoni Iraola, who is to begin formal talks with Liverpool in the coming days to replace Arne Slot who was sacked on Saturday.

The Conference League winners had made a firm proposal to Iraola but now that he appears to be heading elsewhere, Palace are now monitoring alternative options.

Sage took over as Lens manager in June last year and led the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1. In addition, Lens beat Nice to win the Coupe de France for the first time in their 120-year history.

It is understood Palace are keeping an open mind to their managerial search and want to take their time before deciding their new first-choice target.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller, ex-Spurs boss Thomas Frank and former Burnley and Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche are also being considered with a number having already held talks.

Read more about Crystal Palace's search for a manager here

How would you feel about appointing Sage? Tell us

Crystal Palace have held another round of talks with highly-rated Lens manager Pierre Sage. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on which players Crystal Palace should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.

Here are some of your suggestions:

Kiyan: I think we should sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham as another wing-back as he plays there for West Ham. Maybe we could get Konstantinos Mavropanos as a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, if he ends up leaving.

Joe: Joao Gomes [Wolves] would be the obvious choice but I'd take a look at Zian Flemming from Burnley. As Jean-Philippe Mateta is most likely going, he'd be great back-up - 11 goals in a horrid season is no easy feat!

John: I wanted Crysencio Summerville when Leeds went down and after a year at West Ham I want him even more at Palace. Just as long as he isn't cursed with the relegation bug!

Darren: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Summerville from West Ham and Gomes from Wolves please! That would surely add strength in depth. We will need a larger squad to cope with the workload from the Europa League.

Tony: We need cover for Daniel Munoz at right wing-back. Wan-Bissaka could be another former player tempted to return to Selhurst Park for a couple of years with eyes on playing in a European competition again.

Michael: Would love to get Jarrod Bowen, who chose West Ham over Palace, but suspect there will be more attractive suitors this time as well. Could bring Wan-Bissaka back home, as useful cover/back-up for Munoz.

Stephen: Tough without knowing the reality of outgoings - but at face value I would look to bulk our squad for Europa with West Ham's Wan-Bissaka, Taty Castellanos, Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Summerville. Mateus Mane at Wolves but no-one from Burnley stands out. Only Fernandes and possibly Summerville would improve our first XI.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Dear Oliver,

Long before your time at the club, there was a phrase placed up high at the training ground: "Winning is everything." A backdrop to many team photos, had those words ever carried truth, it would mean all those squads possessed nothing.

Being a Palace fan has never been about chasing victory. Whether someone became infatuated with Selhurst through proximity, by blood or was captured by the club from overseas, Palace has been about community.

The previous decade had been a story of the underdog, of resilience and Premier League survival - against the odds and, perhaps, financial realities. A badge to wear with pride, with season upon season of players and coaches to maintain that legacy and spirit.

The danger with that mindset is that you can begin to accept the status quo or your limitations, which is where you entered the narrative.

The past two and a half seasons came with a belief that competing with the best shouldn't be a rare event, but something driven towards every week, across all competitions.

It would be remiss of me not to speak of Wembley. Three visits, three victories. The FA Cup final is a memory we will hold for a lifetime. A sea of euphoria and tears, carrying the weight of past cup heartbreaks, and the spirit of loved ones who never made it there to see it.

In life, just as in football, progression is never linear, and stories don't last forever. For a season, fans ventured across Europe as a team battled their way into more uncharted territory and yet another final. Descending upon Leipzig by any means necessary, for a final chapter in this particular tale.

Winning may not be everything, but if you spend a lifetime never expecting it, it only tastes sweeter when it arrives.

On Wednesday, I got to travel to eastern Germany with my father. He first entered Selhurst Park over 65 years ago. At home, my brother watched us lift the trophy with his three-day-old son in his arms.

We once spoke of generational pain when it came to Crystal Palace in big moments. It is now generational joy.

To quote a friend and fellow fan, we are living our best Palace life, and we can thank you for that.

Alles gute, Oliver.

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The curtain has officially come down on Crystal Palace's season, albeit a few days after it did so for most other Premier League sides.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

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We asked for your views on Andoni Iraola, who is Crystal Palace's main target to replace Oliver Glasner, with their plan B being Frank Lampard.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Since 2010, Crystal Palace have never attempted to hire an already employed manager - so we won't go after Frank Lampard. Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank or Marco Silva are more likely. Antonio Conte a left-field choice.

Robert: Iraola would be my choice for the job. If he doesn't sign then I'd like Pierre Sage from Lens, another up-and-coming younger manager who has done well. None of the other names appeal.

Josh: We need someone with true European experience, with fresh, exciting attacking tactics - definitely not Sean Dyche!

Bob: What I really want is for Glasner to do a U-turn, but it's highly unlikely. As for Iraola, I'm not so sure. Why is he leaving successful Bournemouth? Glasner has never been a manager for any club longer than two years, that includes Wolfsburg, Frankfurt and Palace. I want to see a manager who will give everything, go through thick and thin and stay with us. Iraola too may decide to leave after two years, so let's move on, don't rush it and get the right person.

Al: Please, please, please not Lampard. If anyone other than Iraola, then Sage, who has been exceptional at Lyon and then Lens.

Robert: I'd like someone who will carry the same core beliefs as Glasner. Togetherness and hard work. I would prefer a manager who has actually won a trophy or two, maybe something in Europe, or it would feel like a step backwards.

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Crystal Palace's income from their debut European season proved to be lucrative, having already banked just shy of 22m euros (£19.1m) via a combination of winning the Conference League and for qualifying for the Europa League.

Unlike Arsenal and Aston Villa, Palace are the only English club to directly qualify for a European competition as a result of winning a trophy this term.

From the Conference League itself, Palace have earned at least 17.3m euros (£15m) this term.

For qualifying for the league phase, Palace were given 175,000 euros (£152,000) for winning the play-off round and a further 3.17m euros (£2.75m) for getting to the league phase.

In Palace's six league phase matches, they won three and drew one. That combined earned the club 1.333m euros (£1.16m). Oliver Glasner's side received an additional 200,000 euros (£173,000) for finishing between ninth and 24th and a further 756,000 euros (£655,000) for a 10th-placed finish.

Palace then earned 800,000 euros (£694,000) for reaching the last 16, 1.3m euros (£1.1m) for getting to the quarter-finals and 2.5m euros (£2.2m) for reaching the semi-finals.

Winning the final alone earned Palace 7m euros (£6.1m) in prize money.

Read the full article on European prize money here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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When Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish first met Oliver Glasner in late 2023, he had no idea it would be a meeting that would change the course of the club's history.

It was then sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who had set up the get-together in south London. Freedman had tracked Glasner's career trajectory in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt and was impressed with what he saw.

Roy Hodgson was in charge at Selhurst Park at the time, but there was pressure on the club to make a change.

Parish would have usually preferred to appoint a manager with some Premier League history, but there was something about Glasner that impressed the businessman.

Wind forward two-and-a-half years, and Glasner has just led Crystal Palace to Conference League glory with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

It will be his final game in charge - but it comes at the end of a scarcely-believable 12-month period of unprecedented success.

"He has got to be one of the best managers Crystal Palace has ever had," said Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. "He has made a massive difference to how the club looks at competitions.

"We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we are looking to win and be as high as possible."

When Glasner bid farewell to Selhurst Park on Sunday, following the final Premier League game of the season, the Austrian made sure he had time to poke fun at his past disagreements with Parish.

"Now I'm leaving, I don't have to agree with the chairman," he said with a smile. "He said the best day was the FA Cup final, but I don't agree. The best day is still to come in Leipzig."

It was a light-hearted exchange that underlined Palace's confidence as they prepared for a first European final - a far cry from where they found themselves at the start of the year.

The Conference League final victory - which guarantees Palace a spot in next season's Europa League - is the final chapter of Glasner's career with the Eagles.

"Right now, I can't even believe it is the last game," said Glasner post-match. "It is a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other good chapters will follow.

"I said to the players after the FA Cup [win], go and get what you deserve - the Europa League."

Crystal Palace supporters have never had it so good.

Read the full article here

Crystal Palace want to convince midfielders Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada to stay following their Conference League final win. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Ellie Killick
Fan writer

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Wow, I still feel like I'm dreaming. Crystal Palace are European champions!

A journey that started in Norway back in August ended in Leipzig eight months later with the ultimate prize - and what a night it was!

Going into the game I didn't know much about Rayo Vallecano. I'd never seen them play but based on their form – unbeaten in 10 – and information I'd been told by fellow fans, I was slightly nervous. Spanish teams are never easy to play but Palace, despite only the one-goal advantage, completely controlled the game.

The first half was tense and we really needed a goal. Tyrick Mitchell had an opportunity served on a silver platter just before the break, but he couldn't direct it on target.

Perhaps they were saving the goal for in front of the Palace end because six minutes into the second half Jean-Philippe Mateta found the breakthrough and the south stand went wild. Beer flying everywhere and everyone hugging strangers - we were 39 minutes away from history.

There was a chance to double the lead minutes later, but after pinball in the box, it wasn't to be.

The final 15 minutes were the nerviest. We were creating our own problems and allowing Rayo to get back into the game. Giving the ball away cheaply and not closing them down was perhaps a reflection of the effort and energy they've had to put in this season – 60 games is no joke but they can now have a well-deserved break!

I'm so incredibly proud of every one of those players. They've given it everything this season and the celebrations just proved what it meant to them. They make me so proud to be a south Londoner.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Unlike the FA Cup final, when you could feel the nerves, everyone seemed confident in the boys to bring this one home. It was a magical night and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. I'm so excited to travel round the continent singing: "Champions of Europe, we know what we are!"

Three trophies in 12 months, and I was there for them all (and there's a couple of pictures below from this trip).

Oliver Glasner is a serial winner, and I will be eternally grateful for what he's done to my football club. He's going to be deeply missed.

Now it's time to save up for another European tour next season in the Europa League - where we should have been anyway! UTP!

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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For Crystal Palace, all eyes are now Andoni Iraola. Will he, won't he?

The glory of Wednesday night's euphoric Conference League win in Leipzig won't fade for some time for supporters.

But for those at the heart of the club, the planning for next season will accelerate with almost immediate effect.

The first task at hand is to appoint a new head coach.

As BBC Sport revealed earlier this month, Iraola is the man Palace want to replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner, who insisted after the triumph in Germany that he has no plans to reverse his decision.

They have made the Spaniard a proposal and are awaiting his answer, within that are assurances that he will be permitted significant influence over the recruitment operation.

It is understood Palace want an answer by the end of the weekend.

The move is ambitious. Iraola has emerged as one of the brightest managers in European football; Bournemouth's qualification for next season's Europa League illustrative of his impressive body of work.

"We have got a taste for it now, we want to keep it going," said owner Steve Parish following the win over Rayo Vallecano.

"We have gone up a level and we have got to try and stay there. We will have a week to celebrate and then work hard in the summer."

Palace believe they have done all they can to convince Iraola that they can provide the platform for him to continue building his reputation.

All that is left is Iraola's approval.

If the 43-year-old declines then Palace will move on to plan B.

Among the alternatives is understood to be Frank Lampard, who has key admirers in the Palace boardroom.

Releasing Lampard from his contract with Coventry provides an obvious stumbling block should Palace pivot to the former Chelsea midfielder.

But there is some optimism at Palace that Lampard, who is aware of the Premier League club's interest in him, would be open to joining ahead of next season.

Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank have also been discussed as options.

Luring Iraola to Selhurst Park would represent a coup for Palace, but the fact he's taken so long to decide has led to a degree of scepticism inside Selhurst Park over whether the now departed Bournemouth head coach is prepared to accept.

Much will become clearer in the coming days.

Out of the names listed, who would you like to see replace Glasner? Or, if none of them, where else should Palace be looking?

Let us know your thoughts here