Storm Clouds Gather Over Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Less than a fortnight after walking through a double guard of honor in their final match of the 2024-25 season against league Champions Liverpool, Crystal Palace find themselves facing attacks on multiple fronts.

Inbound Transfer Rumors

Compared to some PL clubs, Palace have been very quiet on the transfer front. There are no confirmed signings, and the rumor mill for inbound talent is at a low murmur.

Reputedly, Palace have opened talks to sign Reinildo Mandava, a 31-year-old Atletico Madrid left-back. He’s sitting on a free and not likely to be re-signed over the summer. Scout Jacek Kulig has referred to Mandava as a “true gladiator” and he would provide roster depth (for Tyrick Mitchell) with on-field savvy in the upcoming Europa League campaign. Everton and Fulham are also reportedly sniffing around.

Palace are apparently keen to pluck Emanuel Emegha, a 22 year-old striker, from Strasbourg. Palace and Strasbourg are both part of Eagle Football Holdings, which also owns stakes in Lyon, Molenbeek and Botafogo. Talks are in very early stages, with Strasbourg reluctant to part ways with the 6’5” Dutchman who provided 14 goals last season.

Outbound Transfer Rumors

Much more activity here, as big club vultures are circling around Selhurst trying to prise key players out of the Eagle’s camp. It’s important to note that manager Glasner has unequivocally stated that “key players” are not for sale, but it’s a long summer.

Twenty-seven year-old striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has attracted attention from AC Milan, Juventus and dumpster-fire Manchester United. Rumor has it his transfer fee is pegged just under $40M, but Palace would prefer to keep him.

No surprise that the most dynamic and creative player on the squad, Eberechi Eze, is drawing looks, despite a steep $91M release clause. Once again, Manchester United are the creepy old man in this scenario. The club are reportedly looking to lock down a contract extension that carries an 80% pay raise in his weekly salary. Stay tuned.

Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton are also possible transfer candidates; the former in particular was a hot commodity back in the winter. But the second-half success of the club, plus the prospect of some European competition, might be enough to convince them to stay.

Europa League Doubts

Of much larger and more immediate concern is UEFA’s review of Crystal Palace’s eligibility for Europa next year. Earlier this week it was announced that the Palace governing board of Steve Parish, John Textor, Josh Harris, and David Blitzer met with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body. At issue is John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings (see above). Lyon and Crystal Palace both qualified for Europa, and under UEFA’s competitive integrity rules, no clubs under the same ownership may compete in the same tournament. D’oh.

Earlier this week it was announced that the Palace governing board of Steve Parish, John Textor, Josh Harris, and David Blitzer met with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body to appeal. Palace’s argument will be that although Textor controls 45% of the shares, the unique structure of the governing board means he only has a 25% voting stake – not close to a majority. Lyon is a different story, as he controls 88% of that club. If Palace lose their appeal, it would mean the club is kicked out of the Europa League tournament. In the event of two clubs with the same ownership qualifying, the club with the higher domestic league position enters. Lyon is sixth; Crystal Palace twelfth.

Losing the Europa League would be a bigger blow to the club than any single player transfer. Not only is the tournament a major revenue generating event, it also makes the club attractive to players who wish to compete on the highest levels of the game. Losing Europa could equate to the club also losing Mateta and Eze, possibly more. There’s a lot riding on this decision, and until they win the appeal, Selhurst Park will continue to sit under a gloomy atmosphere.