Crystal Palace

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Oliver Glasner says his Crystal Palace side have taken a "step forward" from their pre-season camp in Austria and he is now eyeing an upset against Liverpool in the Community Shield.

The Eagles played two friendlies against Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg on Friday, winning the first 3-1 before a 1-0 defeat in the second, which featured a more experimental line-up.

"I'm very satisfied with the first game," Glasner said. "It was a very, very good performance, creating lots of chances."

Looking to next week's Wembley showpiece, he added: "When you have the chance to win silverware, go for it. We will go for it.

"We are facing the champions. A team who invested £300m, buying high-quality players. It is a great challenge. We will be ready. I don't expect they will be in the best possible shape, the same with us at the beginning of the season. We will go for winning the next trophy. When you have the chance to win a second trophy in three months, go for it."

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Crystal Palace recorded a victory and a defeat in their double-header pre-season friendly against Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in Austria.

Manager Oliver Glasner fielded different starting XIs for the two 90-minute fixtures, the first of which breezed to a 3-1 victory and the second of which struggled in a 1-0 defeat.

The first starting line-up featured plenty of experienced first-team players, with Jean-Philippe Mateta grabbing a brace to continue his pre-season goalscoring form and attacking partner Eberechi Eze also featuring on the scoresheet.

The second starting line-up saw a number of academy prospects handed minutes, including a senior debut for centre-back Luke Browne, alongside senior figures such as Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma and Odsonne Edouard.

The Eagles will now turn their attention to the Community Shield on 10 August (15:00 BST), as Liverpool lie in wait at Wembley Stadium.

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On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Crystal Palace and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Brian:

"First game v QPR 1967. Selhurst Park consisted of: a main stand, Holmesdale was 75% terraces, Park Road was 50% mud and Whitehorse was 75% mud. A 3-3 draw and love at first sight.

"A promotion season followed to a first-ever first division season with a budget Burt Head team and saw every home game . First away game was a terrifying trip tp Goodison Park where I learnt 'cockneys' are not liked north of Watford. A 3-1 thrashing but a Kember scorcher as a consolation.

"By the time 'Big Mal' took us to the third division, I was working and could afford a season ticket. Thanks to Maurice Drewitt's travel club, I became a home and away stalwart. We were hiring and filling entire trains and going to exotic places such as the Shay, Halifax. Every Third Division club had a record attendance when Palace were in town and many were like home games. So followed 52,000 at Selhurst, the team of the 80s and the usual collapse.

"What other team has had such a rollercoaster existence? Hardly a dull season and a loyal local fanbase, proud of our south London roots. Palace has not been part of my life but they have been my whole life."

Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the Eagles.

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Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

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Crystal Palace have turned down a £30m bid from Atalanta for key striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, and it is clear why the club were prepared to rebuff the approach despite the 28-year-old having only two years left on his current contract.

The arrival of manager Oliver Glasner transformed Mateta's fortunes at Selhurst Park.

Since the Austrian's first game in charge of Palace in February of last year, Mateta has scored 27 Premier League goals, ranking him fourth overall. Only Mohamed Salah (32), Erling Haaland (32) and Alexander Isak (34) have scored more during this period.

Those goals were worth a precious 17 points, ranking the France international eighth of all players in the league since early 2024.

In contrast, Mateta scored a total of 11 goals in 80 Premier League outings prior to Glasner's arrival, while his goals per minute has improved from 305 to 137.

A coach-player match made in heaven, it may be hard for Glasner to replicate this connection with any potential replacement, while Mateta is also unfailingly reliable in terms of fitness. He's played 50 top-flight matches under the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss - the joint most of any Palace player.

So what's worth more to the Eagles as they approach the new season - money in the bank or a player whose game has improved in almost every metric over the past 18 months?

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Crystal Palace have confirmed Rob Holding has left the club with a year left on his contract.

The defender joined the Eagles in September 2023 from Arsenal, but didn't make a single senior appearance, before going on loan to Sheffield United at the latter end of last season where he played 12 times.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids.

"The club wishes Rob all the best for his future career," Palace said.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Manager Oliver Glasner also has under a year left on his contract.

Talks over an extension are underway but as yet there has been no resolution.

Nevertheless, Palace are absolutely clear in their intention to keep Glasner and would like the matter resolved sooner rather than later.

There is logic, however, in the Austrian waiting until the end of the window before committing to a longer contract.

Losing Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze would leave the team significantly weakened.

It will be a tall order to replace both players with players who are of a similar level, particularly for Palace where the recruitment budget isn't huge.

Glasner was pointed when asked about the club's transfer business so far this summer after the pre-season game against Mainz.

"Even though all the players are still here, we haven't made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year," he said.

"As of now, I have 17 outfield players. I hope we don't lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible."

The fact one player has already complained of slight muscular soreness in recent days will have accentuated Glasner's concerns.

There are a number of questions that still need answering. Glasner is eagerly awaiting the outcome.

Read Sami's in-depth Palace update here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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When evaluating the futures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, there is less pressure on Palace to make a big decision on the former.

In many ways it is out of their hands. The England international has a £68m release clause - if a club agrees to meet that fee, then Palace are powerless in deciding his future.

It is understood the buyout expires two weeks before the start of the season, which offers Palace an added layer of protection.

Arsenal have a genuine interest in Eze but so far have shown no inclination of triggering the forward's release fee.

Well-placed sources are also indicating that Arsenal would prefer to sell a forward before making any formal move for Eze.

There is also a feeling at Arsenal that Eze's best position is at number 10 - an area that Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri operate in.

Eze can play on the left and Arsenal may view the Palace forward as a multi-functional attacker rather than just a number 10.

Palace are aware of Arsenal's interest.

The Gunners are understood to value Eze lower than the clause and want to negotiate a deal beneath the agreement.

As things stand, Palace chairman Steve Parish has offered no hint he would be open to negotiating a lower price; though there is a thought at rival clubs his stance may soften later in the window, to avoid the player going into the final year of his deal.

It is understood Eze is very open to joining Arsenal.

The attraction is clear, with Arsenal a contender for both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

• Read more on Palace from Sami

Crystal Palace have informed Arsenal that they would have to pay at least £35m in advance to sign Eberechi Eze, with the rest of the 27-year-old attacking midfielder's £67.5m fee due in instalments. (Guardian), external

The Eagles are ready to offer £27.6m to sign 24-year-old Germany centre-back Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, as a potential replacement for defender Marc Guehi, who has been linked with Liverpool. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Finally, English defender Rob Holding is set to leave Crystal Palace on a free transfer to join Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids, who have held off competition from Championship sides Sheffield United and Wrexham. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Crystal Palace have rejected an offer of just over £30m for striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta from Italian club Atalanta.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract but it remains unclear whether Palace would accept higher offers, amid high demand for strikers across the transfer market.

However, the Italian club, who lost Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui in a reported £56m move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, are looking for a suitable replacement.

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz is also believed to be on Atalanta's list, along with Lecce's Nikola Krstovic and Genk's Tolu Arokodare.

Meanwhile, Palace are facing an uncertain summer with Arsenal interested in midfielder Eberechi Eze and defender Marc Guehi entering the final year of his contract in South London.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Marc Guehi has fewer than 12 months on his contract, meaning he can leave for nothing next summer - a prospect that would represent a huge financial loss to Crystal Palace given they turned down a deal of around £65m from Newcastle for Guehi in 2024.

As things stand, there are no signs Guehi is prepared to extend his contract, though Palace are obviously keen to discuss a new deal.

Liverpool have a genuine interest in Guehi this summer.

But the level of the Merseyside club's interest will be dictated by cost. Liverpool don't want to get drawn into a long saga over Guehi's valuation and will only move if they believe the fee represents that the defender can join them for nothing next summer.

Palace are believed to want around £40m for Guehi, but Liverpool want to pay less than that figure.

Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea have all registered varying degrees of interest in Guehi since the end of the season.

Guehi finds himself in a unique position of power: a homegrown player in the final year of his deal.

That comes with a delicate balance of trying to maximise the situation he is in, but also acknowledge that certain chances do not come around all too often.

Indeed, the opportunity to join the Premier League champions, particularly given their exciting summer additions that could yet include Alexander Isak, is one Guehi would likely give serious consideration to.

Equally, another option open to Guehi is to see out the final season of his deal with a view to leaving on a free transfer next summer.

His options would certainly enhance in that scenario. The financial packages on offer would also be more lucrative.

There are risks attached to that, of course, injury being the main one.

Read more from Sami on Palace here

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] has confirmed that an in-person hearing for the case Crystal Palace v. UEFA, Nottingham Forest Football Club & Olympique Lyonnais is scheduled for Friday, 8 August 2025.

The hearing will be held behind closed doors at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

No decision will be issued on 8 August.

It is expected that an operative decision [without grounds] will be given on Monday, 11 August.

Palace submitted an appeal against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League with CAS on 22 July.

The appeal is against Uefa, which issued the punishment, French club Lyon and Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Eagles were punished for breaching multi-club ownership rules as American businessman John Textor owns a stake in the club and is the majority owner of Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.

Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are expected to replace FA Cup winners Palace in the Europa League should the punishment stand.

Arsenal remain interested in England winger Eberechi Eze, 27, but are not willing to meet a release clause in excess of £60m and will only bid if Crystal Palace reduce their asking price. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Crystal Palace drew one and lost one in a fixture double-header with Bundesliga side Mainz in Austria, with plenty of players getting valuable minutes for Oliver Glasner's side.

In the first game, Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring against his former club and Dean Henderson pulled off a number of saves.

Ultimately though, Mainz levelled with just five minutes remaining as Nelson Weiper scored from a rebound.

The second was more high-scoring, as Mainz raced into a three-goal lead against a completely changed Palace side.

Romain Esse and Maxence Lacroix narrowed the deficit in the second half but could not prevent the Eagles sliding to defeat.

There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Palace.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

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Derby County are hopeful of bringing Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh back to Pride Park on a loan deal.

The 20-year-old spent last season with the Rams in the Championship and managed to make a positive impression despite making only 10 league appearances in an injury-hit campaign.

BBC Derby Sport report that the Rams are working to get a new loan agreement for Ozoh over the line.

Derby have already made six summer signings and head coach John Eustace has expressed a desire to further bolster his options across the pitch.

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says pre-season preparations are going "really well" and his team are "on track" following their 3-0 win over League Two side Crawley Town on Friday night.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Daniel Munoz were all on the scoresheet as the Eagles made it two wins and two clean sheets from two pre-season fixtures.

"Pre-season is going really well," Glasner told Palace TV, external after the friendly. "The players are doing really well. They are being very ambitious and showing great work ethic.

"I'm really pleased with the performance. The players did well, scored nice goals, created many chances and we got another clean sheet - so we are on track.

"It is very important for us to get back into the rhythm and into the pattern of how we want to play.

"All of the players are arriving on different days. Chris Richards will join us for the Austria camp because he played in the [Concacaf Gold Cup] final with the USA. Marc Guehi has a small injury but will train with us on Sunday. Eddie Nketiah is the same.

"We don't want to take any risks."

The Eagles head to Austria next week to continue their pre-season preparations and Glasner is looking forward to the squad "spending time together" after lifting the FA Cup and setting a club-record Premier League points tally last season.

"It's not like everybody goes on vacation and then after six or seven weeks, you come back together and you snap your fingers and everything is back again," Glasner added. "You have to invest, work and spend time together - then the bond will be there again.

"Therefore it is good to have time together, have training sessions, have video meetings with the players - as a team and individually - and also to enjoy the time.

"Unfortunately, the weather in London will be better than the weather in Austria, but no problem! We are looking forward to having a very intense week."

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Crystal Palace have launched "Eagle Gold" - a new kit for the upcoming season.

It is a nod to the Eagles' 2024-25 FA Cup win - their first major trophy.

The club says Palace will wear gold "to celebrate that triumph".

What do you make of it?

Choose your verdict here