Glasner Announces Departure Plans and Team Updates at Press Conference

At a press conference held on Friday, manager Glasner announced his intention to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the current season.

“A decision was made months ago,” Glasner stated. “I had a meeting with Steve Parish, the chairman, during the international break in October. We had an extensive discussion, and I informed him that I would not be signing a new contract. At that time, we agreed it would be best to keep this information private. However, it is now crucial to provide clarity, especially given our busy schedule. Both Steve and I prioritize what is best for Crystal Palace.”

Glasner elaborated on his decision, expressing a desire for a new challenge. “I communicated to Steve back in October that my decision was unrelated to the transfer window. It is disheartening when inaccurate information circulates, and I find it difficult to address. Our relationship is strong, and we consistently discuss what is best for Palace.”

In addition, Glasner confirmed that player Marc Guehi would not be included in the squad for their upcoming match against Sunderland, as he is finalizing a £20 million transfer to Manchester City. Discussions between the two clubs have progressed significantly in the past 24 hours. “His move is in its final stages,” Glasner revealed, indicating that Guehi’s last appearance for Crystal Palace was during their unexpected 2-1 defeat to non-league team Macclesfield in the FA Cup.

Guehi’s status as an imminent free agent has attracted attention from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. As international clubs, they were permitted to initiate talks for a summer Bosman deal right away, while English clubs needed to negotiate first with Palace. Nonetheless, Manchester City has acted swiftly to secure the defender.

Liverpool came close to acquiring Guehi on the summer 2025 deadline day, with the England international having even undergone a medical examination. However, Crystal Palace could not secure a suitable replacement before the transfer window closed, prompting them to halt Guehi’s move.

Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim by Manchester United at the beginning of January, Glasner emerged as a leading candidate for the managerial position at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick has since been appointed as head coach until the end of the season, with the Red Devils planning to continue their search for a long-term replacement during the summer.

Despite speculation, Glasner insisted he has not engaged in discussions with any other clubs and remains focused on completing the season with Crystal Palace. “I have not spoken to any other club,” he affirmed. “I have promised the players that I will give my utmost to achieve a record points total and to bring another trophy to Selhurst Park. We will do everything possible to succeed. It is challenging for the players, but together we can accomplish it.”

In other news, Crystal Palace learned on Friday that they will face Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar in the knockout round play-offs of the Conference League. The team will return to Premier League action against Sunderland on Saturday, hoping to break a nine-game winless streak in all competitions. Additionally, the club is actively seeking to strengthen its squad and has already secured the signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham this month.