Crystal Palace Must Invest, Not Save, Says Glasner Ahead of Busy Season

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner warns that their summer transfer strategy left the squad lacking depth as they navigate European football alongside a packed domestic schedule. He argues the club must invest now to stay competitive, not wait for later windows.

Season context and performance

Six months after winning their first major trophy by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup, Palace found European football a real test as they balance continental nights with Premier League duties. They have failed to win in four league games since their European run, including a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United.

Transfer window and squad depth

Glasner contends the summer window did not provide enough reinforcement. Palace sold talisman Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for a club-record £60m but did not reinvest proportionately. The club did recruit six permanent players and one loan, with Spanish forward Yeremy Pino arriving for up to £26m—the largest single outlay.

"If you play European football for the first time in your history, you should invest and not save," Glasner declared. He also warned that January is too late to address gaps, noting the season would be more than half complete by then.

Current form, injuries and fixtures

Despite the criticism, Palace sit ninth in the Premier League, only two points behind fifth-placed Brighton. In Europe, they have two wins and two defeats and remain in contention for a knockout berth, while they are through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Fixture congestion and injuries are taking a toll. Ismaila Sarr has been a standout but hobbled off with a swollen ankle against United and is set to miss weeks as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches next month. The Senegal forward has eight goals this season across all competitions.

Captaincy and contract situation

Palace managed to keep captain Marc Guehi, despite a deadline-day approach from Liverpool that would have paid around £35m. Glasner later insisted there were no tensions with club chairman Steve Parish. Guehi’s contract runs to June, meaning he could leave for free without a new deal if an extension isn’t agreed.

The Austrian coach, who previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, has continued to deliver in England. Rumours of United interest in Glasner during the summer keep his position under close scrutiny as Palace weigh their long-term strategy.

Coach’s outlook and team strategy

Glasner stresses that continued progress requires more depth and resources. He believes patience alone won’t suffice and argues the club must back ambition with transfer riches to keep pace across competitions.

Expert comment

Expert view: Analysts note that Palace’s window choices could bite them as injuries mount and schedules tighten. Glasner’s call for greater investment signals a clear shift in how the club plans to compete on multiple fronts.

Summary

Palace face a pivotal period as they chase European football while handling a busy domestic schedule. Glasner’s public appeal for more depth reflects a belief that next window must deliver real reinforcement. Ismaila Sarr’s injury and Guehi’s contract status add to the pressure as the team aims for a solid finish.

Key insight: Without deeper squad investment, Palace risk stalling their European ambitions as the fixture list intensifies. Source: BBC Sport.