Beleaguered Crystal Palace enduring the unhappiest of new years

After an unforgettable 2025 that brought the club its first major trophy, the opening weeks of 2026 have thrust Crystal Palace into unwelcome headlines. A shock FA Cup exit to Macclesfield was followed by the double blow of captain Marc Guéhi being sold to Manchester City and manager Oliver Glasner announcing he will leave at the end of the season.

The saga over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s failed move to Milan and Palace’s decision to withdraw from a deal for Dwight McNeil dominated a largely quiet transfer window. The club broke its transfer record twice, signing Brennan Johnson for £35m and then Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a deal that could reach £48m, prompting questions about spending on a player with one Premier League goal this season.

Palace were criticised for pulling out of the McNeil move after the winger’s partner accused them of “toying” with his mental health, and no replacement was signed for Guéhi.

crystal palace, fa cup, macclesfield, marc guéhi, manchester city, oliver glasner, jean-philippe mateta, dwight mcneil, brennan johnson, strand larsen