Crystal Palace Football Club is experiencing a transformative period marked by historic success and European competition qualification, yet it finds its aspirations clouded by uncertainty concerning the future of manager Oliver Glasner. His leadership has propelled Palace into one of the Premier League’s surprise packages in the 2025-26 season, but contract tensions and transfer frustrations pose a significant challenge to sustained progress.
Glasner’s Impact on Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner joined Crystal Palace in February 2024, quickly revitalizing the club. From a team battling relegation, Palace surged to Premier League prominence and secured their first FA Cup title, followed by a Community Shield victory against Liverpool. His pragmatic, well-structured style has impressed fans and pundits alike, turning Palace into a European competitor for the first time in club history.
Despite this, Glasner’s contract runs only until the end of the 2025-26 season, and club insiders remain unsure if he will extend his stay. His request for more influence over transfers and greater investment in the squad has not yet been met satisfactorily by the club’s owners.
Current Premier League Status
Crystal Palace currently sit impressively in the Premier League standings as one of the top teams challenging for Champions League qualification. As of the latest matches in late September 2025, Palace are placed third, underscoring how much Glasner has raised expectations.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 15 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 | +9 | 13 |
| 3 | Crystal Palace | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 12 |
| 4 | Tottenham Hotspur | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 11 |
This position is the highest the club has attained in recent years and places them on the cusp of European football through league qualification beyond the Europa Conference League.\
Reasons Behind the Uncertainty
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Contract and Transfer Concerns: Glasner has publicly expressed frustration about the club’s transfer business. After generating £16.3 million profit from selling players, Palace made only limited impactful signings—most notably Yeremy Pino—who has just begun appearing in the Premier League. Glasner feels the squad is not yet competitive enough for sustained success, and he desires more engagement in transfer decisions.
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Departures of Key Players: Important players, including captain Marc Guehi, are expected to leave after their contracts expire. Guehi’s potential exit, alongside interest in star midfielder Adam Wharton from other European clubs, threatens to destabilize Palace’s squad stability and further complicate Glasner’s rebuilding plans.
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Links to Other Clubs: Glasner has been linked with bigger clubs, especially Manchester United, where the managerial situation remains precarious. Should an opportunity arise, the prospect of leaving potentially financially stronger clubs adds to Palace’s worries.
Transfer Activity Overview
| Transfer Window | Income from Sales (m £) | Key Arrival | Premier League Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | 16.3 | Yeremy Pino | Yes (Limited) |
Effect on Club Morale and Future Outlook
The uncertainty weighs heavily on club morale. Players and staff thrive on stability, especially when a breakthrough season is underway. Without clarity on Glasner’s future, long-term squad planning stalls. European ambitions could be jeopardized if key players leave and Glasner departs, which might undo the remarkable progress made.
Conclusion
Crystal Palace’s 2025-26 season marks a new zenith in club history, largely thanks to Oliver Glasner’s stewardship. Yet, as his contract nears expiry, unresolved differences over ambition, transfers, and contract terms cast a shadow over their bright outlook. Balancing competitive aspirations with managerial stability is crucial as the club aims to establish itself among England’s elite.