Glasner Calls for Urgent Transfer Action as Crystal Palace Prepares for Upcoming Season

Glasner Urges Crystal Palace to Act on Transfers

In a recent statement, Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, emphasized the importance of proactive recruitment as the club continues to navigate the uncertain waters of their European competition status. Glasner described it as a “mistake” for the club to wait until the outcome of ongoing appeals regarding their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League before pursuing new signings. This appeal has been submitted to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is crucial for the club as they prepare for the potential play-off round against either Fredrikstad from Norway or Midtjylland from Denmark.

Prepping for Upcoming Matches

The two-legged matches against Fredrikstad or Midtjylland are set for August 21 and August 28, but Glasner is adamant that decisions on player transfers must happen independently of these matches. “If you’re thinking like this, you make a mistake,” he noted. “You can’t run a business where you’re always reacting. To achieve long-term success, you must have a proactive strategy.”

Recent Transfer Frustrations

Looking back on the previous season, Glasner voiced his dissatisfaction with the late transfer activities, which he felt contributed to a lack of momentum at the start of the campaign, where the Eagles managed only one victory in their first eight league matches. However, he seems more optimistic this year, attributing the improved outlook to a more stable squad.

“The team remained largely intact,” he explained. “Last year, we saw a major turnover with the departure of 10 members of the dressing room and the addition of seven new players. This year, we lost just two loan players and welcomed two new faces, which has greatly improved our team chemistry.”

Investment in the Squad

When questioned about the necessity for new players, Glasner clarified that his focus is not merely on filling roster spots, but on positioning Crystal Palace to compete effectively in four different competitions. “It’s not just about wanting investment—it’s about the future of Crystal Palace,” he remarked. “To improve on last season, it would be wise to bring in at least two new players.”

Contract Negotiations

The manager also touched on the subject of his own contract situation, which is set to expire next summer. Glasner revealed that there have been no discussions about extending his tenure. “Right now, the focus is on getting our squad sorted out over the next three weeks, not on my contract,” he stated. When asked if the club’s transfer activities would influence any future negotiation talks about a new deal, Glasner simply replied, “We will see.”

Additionally, captain Marc Guehi, whose contract also expires next summer, has attracted interest from premier clubs including Liverpool and Newcastle. Glasner humorously acknowledged Guehi’s situation, stating, “Marc and I share the same fate; ultimately, the decision lies with him.”

Future Outlook

Glasner concluded by reiterating the importance of cohesive squad dynamics. “We all want to maintain the spirit that helped us succeed last season. It’s not common at Palace to have such a stable team environment, but we need to keep this squad together as we head into a challenging season,” he added.