'A smart bit of business to start the summer'published at 16:29 14 June
16:29 14 June
We asked for your views on Crystal Palace's first summer signing Chadi Riad and whether you think he will make a positive impact.
Here are some of your views:
Sam: It's good to keep promising young players coming in! This seems like a good price and if Guehi has a strong Euros it is likely we'll be selling him for a strong profit. It looks like a smart bit of business to start the summer.
Luca: This is agreat start to the window. Young, promising, La Masia-grown centre-back for a decent price. Good for squad depth. Onwards and upwards.
Don: It will be interesting to see if signing Riad is to enable Guehi to be sold or if he is intended to replace Tomkins on the bench. Palace could start next season with the most talented squad they have had since the Wright and Bright days unless forced to sell the likes of Olise, Eze, Wharton and Guehi. At least if they do, FFP won’t be a worry.
Guehi's calm nature, passing accuracy and speedpublished at 15:46 14 June
15:46 14 June
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
England's Euro 2024 chances could hinge on how they make use of their attacking riches, but concerns linger about the team's defensive vulnerability.
Harry Maguire has been a mainstay in the team but misses this tournament through injury, and Gareth Southgate looks set to pick 23-year-old Marc Guehi as his left-sided centre-half for Sunday's opening game against Serbia (20:00 BST).
With only 11 caps, Guehi lacks the profile and international exposure of England's more established defenders such as John Stones and Kyle Walker - but he is highly thought of in the England camp.
One of Guehi's biggest strengths is his calm nature on the ball and how he deals with high-pressure situations.
In the Premier League, his passing accuracy of 87.2% last season was higher than Maguire and highly rated Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who did not make the final 26-man Euros squad.
For England, that stat goes up to 95.1% - better than Maguire and Stones.
Guehi is also quick. His top speed in the 2023-24 Premier League season of 33.92km/h ranked him in the top 30 centre-backs in the league - perhaps not the quickest of the lot, but faster than Lewis Dunk, Stones and Maguire.
Southgate has been introducing Guehi gradually, along with a number of young players, but he has emerged as the centre-back to step in if Stones or Maguire are unavailable.
He has been a key player and occasional captain for Crystal Palace over the past three seasons and he is a former England Under-21 skipper.
Guehi's relatively young age, Premier League experience, and his ability to play in the left-sided centre-back position means that he is highly admired by many teams.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has played with Guehi since they were both in the Blues academy. They were team-mates for Palace in the Premier League, when Gallagher was on loan at Selhurst Park, and now they have united on the international stage with England.
"He will be brilliant if he does [start in the Serbia match]," Gallagher said. "Top guy, top player."
"I couldn't be happier if he started some games at the tournament. He has been brilliant for Crystal Palace and England when he has played. He is more than ready, for sure.
"He is very professional, a great leader as well. I think he has got everything you need to be a top defender."
Why is Olise in such high demand?published at 14:34 14 June
14:34 14 June
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
This summer's prominent Premier League transfer saga appears set to centre around Crystal Palace's Michael Olise.
Alex Howell has reported Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich have all contacted Palace to register their interest in the 22-year-old winger, who the Eagles will only part ways with for at least £60m.
Olise is a rarity in modern football - a true flair player with the end product to match. A player whose output matches their creativity.
As an attacking threat it is difficult to identify a weakness, with the inconsistency of his youth giving way to sustained high-level performances when fit last season.
His versatility allows him to seamlessly drift between operating as a number 10 or on the right-hand side.
Cutting inside from the right and whipping shots into the far corner has become a trademark, but his unpredictability means he can thread through balls and run at defenders whilst maintaining the threat of letting fly from distance.
His 10 goals and six assists in just 19 Premier League games reveal a player whose vision and playmaking ability match his ruthlessness in front of goal.
As a dribbler, few can match Olise's capacity to slow a defender down before breezing past them with his silky style. His exaggerated body movements and feints have embarrassed some illustrious opponents over the past few seasons - just ask Manchester United who he cut apart in May.
The former Reading man also possesses a wicked delivery, both from open play and dead-ball situations, and has scored two direct free-kicks for Palace, including a stunning last-minute equaliser against United in 2023.
The composure in his play is matched by a persona in interviews that can border on indifference. Flappable Olise is not.
With three excellent Premier League seasons under his belt, and an age profile that means he will only get better, it is easy to see why England and Europe's elite are chasing his signature.
'A perfect fit' - Riad on Palace switchpublished at 12:34 14 June
12:34 14 June
Image source, Getty Images
New Crystal Palace signing Chadi Riad says he has "dreamed" of playing in the Premier League, describing the move as "a perfect fit".
The 20-year-old defender, capped three times by Morocco, completed his switch from Barcelona on Friday for an initial £12m, plus £2m in add-ons.
Riad spent last season on loan at Real Betis, making 30 appearances for the La Liga side managed by former Manchester City and West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Speaking to Palace TV, external, he said: "I have dreamed of playing in the Premier League since I was a kid. It's is the best league in the world with excellent players, and I'm really looking forward to playing [here].
"I would describe myself as a calm footballer, but with grit.
"I have spoken to my team-mates - like Pablo Fornals, who played in the Premier League with Marc Roca. They have told me I'm going to enjoy this league and I hope [I will]."
And speaking to the fans directly, Riad added: "I just want to say thank you very much, because you are already showing me support on social media."
'An exciting young player'published at 11:39 14 June
11:39 14 June
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says the signing of Chadi Riad from Barcelona "adds quality to a squad already packed with talent and potential".
The 20-year-old La Masia graduate arrives from the Spanish giants after a successful loan spell at Real Betis last season.
Riad has represented Morocco at under-17, under-20 and under-23 level, and has played three times for the senior team.
He is the first summer addition to a Palace side that enjoyed a brilliant end to the season under new manager Oliver Glasner.
Since the Austrian's arrival in February, the Eagles lost just three times and secured only their second top-half Premier League finish.
Parish said: "As a full international at just 20 years old, Chadi is an exciting young player who we are delighted to be able to welcome to the club.
"His arrival adds quality to a squad already packed with talent and potential, and I look forward to seeing him contribute to the team this season and beyond."
Chelsea were the next to contact Palace regarding Olise, approaching them on Thursday. (Mirror), external
Olise is believed to have a £60m release clause in his contract but Chelsea and Newcastle may not be able to activate it as it only applies to clubs who have qualified for the Champions League. (Times - subscription required), external
Buy one, sell one, loan one out - your pickspublished at 18:47 13 June
18:47 13 June
If you could only buy one, sell one, and loan out one player at Crystal Palace, who would you pick?
That was the question we asked you to answer, with the transfer window set to open on Friday.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Cameron: Buy: Matias Soule - or any other attacking midfielder who can fill in for Eze or Olise, without being a huge downgrade. Sell: Marc Guehi - a great player going to the top who will bring in a good fee, but the most replaceable of our star players. Loan: Rak-Sakyi or Ozoh - both need to have a good season in the Championship in order to push on.
George: Buy: Ben Johnson - on a free transfer as back-up for Munoz and Mitchell. Sell: Marc Guehi - this would only be if he refuses to sign a new contract; I would like to keep him if he signs, for sure. Loan: Kofi Balmer.
CJ: Buy: Jobe Bellingham - we have been linked to him for a while and he would provide some good depth in the midfield. Sell: Jeffrey Schlupp - with new midfielders incoming (Bellingham) and our youth players impressing (Wharton and Ozoh), he isn't needed and doesn't really provide much when he plays. Loan: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - he needs experience at a Championship level.
Sam: Buy: Eddie Nketiah - he offers something different up front from Mateta and we have been linked to him for the past couple of windows. Sell: Odsonne Edouard - cash in on him because he has been firmly displaced by in-form Mateta. Loan: Naouirou Ahamada - he hasn't got the game time this season and competition will be heavier once Doucoure returns.
Joe: Buy: Maxence Lacroix - as a replacement for Marc Guehi. Sell: Odsonne Edouard - he hasn't cut it and he doesn't seem to be putting in the effort that Mateta has. Loan: Ozoh and Ahamada, but keep Rak-Sakyi - Jesurun might be able to offer something this season.
Palace unveil 2024-25 home kitpublished at 12:48 13 June
12:48 13 June
Image source, CPFC
Crystal Palace have revealed their new home kit for the 2024-25 campaign, which sees the return of the club's trademark red and blue stripes.
The shirt also features embedded eagles and a commemorative 'stamp' on the back collar to celebrate 100 years since the opening of Selhurst Park.
The kit is completed with blue shorts, also bearing the eagles pattern, and blue socks.
'If given a chance, Wharton is more than likely to take it'published at 12:11 13 June
12:11 13 June
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Adam Wharton's journey to the international stage has been an incredible rise.
The 20-year-old midfielder only made his professional debut 22months ago, was still playing in the Championship in January.
His performances led to Gareth Southgate including him in his initial 33-man training squad for Euro 2024, but then impressive performances in training and a positive debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina led to him making the final 26.
And just as he has shown during his meteoric rise, nothing seems to faze him.
Speaking in his first news conference as an England player on Wednesday, he showed a huge amount of maturity and confidence to deal with questions in a packed room.
He gave an insight about how Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been helping him settle and giving him tips when they are both on the pitch.
Wharton was also asked whether he felt ready to compete in a major tournament if chosen to start a game.
"The manager picks the team. Obviously there are some unbelievable players. If I am chosen to play I am more than ready, but whoever is on pitch I'm sure will step up, perform and help the team get the result we want," he replied.
"There are still players who have been in the team for long time and some top young players. It's good to have that little mix.
"If you're good enough, you're old enough."
Wharton has definitely shown age has not been a factor in his progression and also that, if given a chance, he is more than likely to take it.
'I wouldn't be here without them'published at 10:21 13 June
10:21 13 June
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has expressed his gratitude for his family's support after selection for Euro 2024.
The 20-year-old is in Germany with the England squad preparing for his first major tournament.
"I have got two brothers that I grew up with, both older, playing with them in the garden," Wharton, who played alongside one of his siblings at Blackburn Rovers, said.
"Obviously they probably beat me up a few times in the garden, but that all helps you get used to the physical side of the game.
"My dad is a massive football fan and gives me loads of advice, even still now.
"They have continued to support me, even when I hadn't been playing in the youth set-up, I wouldn't be here without them."
Despite this praise, Wharton was not overly impressed with his dad referring to him as a bit of a loner in an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire.
"I think loner is a bit harsh," he joked. "I don't have a million friends - I keep myself to myself and that is how I have always been. That works for me.
"I live on my own in London, so I'm not always out with my friends doing this and that.
"Part of being a footballer means you can't go out on the weekends when you are growing up and they are the sacrifices you have to make."
'A fantastic ceiling' - Henderson on Wharton's potentialpublished at 09:04 13 June
09:04 13 June
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson says the way midfielder Adam Wharton is dealing with his rapid rise is "fantastic".
The Eagles have four players in the England squad, the most of any club and with 20-year-old Wharton probably the most surprising inclusion.
He only made his Premier League debut in February and his professional bow two years ago.
Wharton has impressed in training, as well as in his first England appearance, and now has the chance to feature at a major tournament.
"Everything is going so fast for him," said Henderson, who is also part of Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024.
"He's at the age where he's just taking everything in his stride. He's got a fantastic ceiling and hopefully he can reach that pretty soon."
'I wasn't expecting it' - Whartonpublished at 15:47 12 June
15:47 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
England midfielder Adam Wharton says it was "surreal" to be selected for England's Euro 2024 squad.
The 20-year-old was confirmed in Gareth Southgate's final 26-man selection on Thursday, despite having only made his senior debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina three days earlier.
Wharton has impressed since signing Crystal Palace from Blackburn for £18m - with add-ons taking it to £22m - on 1 February this year.
He featured 16 times for the Eagles in the second part of the season and made three assists.
"It's a surreal feeling [to be called up]. Honestly I wasn't expecting it," said the midfielder in England's news conference on Wednesday.
"Obviously I have only just gone into the Premier League. It was more of a bonus if I did get in [the England squad] but I am absolutely delighted. I get to do what I love on the top stage - you can't beat it.
"I don't really think about it [being a 'pinch me' moment] too much - it's more football for me. It has gone really fast, I have really enjoyed the last six months and I just want to keep playing, getting better."
It has been a rapid rise for the Blackburn academy product. Having only made his England Under-21s debut in March after initially being called up to the England Under-20s, he now joins three Eagles' team-mates on the plane to Germany.
"It's hard really [to sum up the past two years]," added Wharton. "Just a dream come true.
"Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League, play for their country. I got to play for the team I supported to begin with, really enjoyed that and then it has continued since moving to the Premier League.
"Now I'm here. It's all been very fast but I wouldn't want it any other way."
Crystal Palace announce Net88 as new shirt sponsorpublished at 15:43 12 June
15:43 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace have announced that Net88 will be their main front-shirt sponsor next season.
According to the club website, Net88, who provide online gaming services, have secured a record two-year deal at Selhurst Park. The company's logo will also feature on training wear.
Net88 replace car company Cinch, who sponsored the Eagles for two years.
Buy, sell... loan? What should Palace do this window?published at 12:48 12 June
12:48 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
The transfer window opens on Friday, and we want to know what matters to you most this summer.
If you could only buy one, sell one, and loan out one player at Crystal Palace, who would you pick?
Ayew hits hat-trick for Ghana in World Cup qualifierpublished at 08:54 11 June
08:54 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew marked his 100th cap for Ghana with a hat-trick in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Central African Republic.
The 32-year-old put Ghana ahead with an early penalty, but the Black Stars trailed 2-1 at the break after the visitors took advantage of defensive frailties.
Ayew netted twice in the second half and the West Africans eventually saw out a win to go top of Group I with a 4-3 victory.
The nine group winners at the end of the 10-game campaign will all seal spots at the expanded 2026 tournament, while a 10th African side could reach the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada via an intercontinental competition.
The fourth round of matches culminates on Tuesday, after which the qualifiers will resume again in March 2025.
Gossip: Chelsea agree personal terms with Olisepublished at 08:03 11 June
08:03 11 June
Chelsea have agreed personal terms with forward Michael Olise and are set to discuss scheduling payments to meet his release clause at Crystal Palace. (Givemesport), external
The Eagles are set to sign Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada on a free transfer after the 27-year-old, who spent last season at Lazio, completed the first stage of his medical. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Image source, Getty Images
