Crystal Palace: Oliver Glasner’s grand plan has fans dreaming despite transfer blows

admin | August 16, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The loss of Michael Olise and uncertainty over Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze hasn’t dampened the rising enthusiasm at Selhurst Park

In previous years, losing a quality player like Michael Olise would have perhaps sparked pessimism among Crystal Palace fans ahead of the new season. Not this time, though.

Even uncertainty over the future of Marc Guehi has failed to dampen the excitement building at Selhurst Park.

A strong finish to last season under Oliver Glasner, when the Eagles won six of their final seven games to end up 10th, has led to real optimism about what can be achieved this term.

European football is even being talked about as a target and, while there is no replacing Olise, Palace appear to have made some shrewd signings this summer.

In Daichi Kamada, they have secured one of the most sought-after midfielders in Italy on a free transfer. Centre-back Chadi Riad impressed in LaLiga last term and looks another smart move at just £14million.

Palace also hope they can reinvigorate £12.7m Ismaila Sarr after the former Watford forward lost his way at Marseille.

What was encouraging for Palace towards the end of last season was that they were winning with big margins. Manchester United were ousted 4-0, West Ham 5-2, while Aston Villa were thumped 5-0 on the final day.

The possible departure of Guehi to Newcastle does present a concern. Yet a knee injury kept him out for much of the run-in last season – during which time Palace turned their season around – so Glasner has shown he can fare without the England defender if needed.

There is cautious optimism that Eberechi Eze, another of Palace’s quartet in the England squad for Euro 2024, will stay for another season amid interest from Manchester City and Tottenham.

Eze has a moment of magic in him at any time and could play alongside Kamada as one of two No10s in Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

A midfield of Adam Wharton and Cheick Doucoure will be the envy of most top-flight teams.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is attracting interest after his hot streak last season, but he is expected to stay and returns with a spring in his step after a silver medal with France at the Olympics.

Whether Palace can push higher up the table could depend on whether Wharton and Mateta can pick up where they left off.

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