Crystal Palace Faces Major Shakeup As Glasner Exits And Guehi Nears Manchester City Move

Crystal Palace fans are bracing for a seismic shift as manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he will not extend his contract beyond the current season, while captain Marc Guehi edges closer to a high-profile move to Manchester City. The news, delivered on January 16, 2026, has sent ripples through the Premier League, with both announcements coming just before Palace’s upcoming clash against Sunderland.

Glasner, the 51-year-old Austrian tactician, has been nothing short of transformative for the Eagles. Arriving at Selhurst Park with a reputation forged at Eintracht Frankfurt, he etched his name into Palace folklore by guiding the club to its first-ever major trophy: the FA Cup in 2025. That historic triumph was followed by a Community Shield win in August, a feat that had fans dreaming of a new era of silverware in South London.

Yet, as the 2025-2026 season approaches its midpoint, Glasner has chosen to bring his Palace chapter to a close. In a candid exchange with reporters, he revealed, “A decision has already been taken, months ago. I had a meeting with Steve [Parish] in October, the international break. We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed at the time, it was the best to keep it between us. It’s the best that we could do, and keep it confidential for three months.”

He added, “But now it’s important to have clarity, and we had a very busy schedule, so that’s why we didn’t want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.” Glasner’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, meaning Palace will be searching for a new leader come summer.

The timing of the announcement is hardly coincidental. Palace currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with 28 points from 21 matches. While mid-table security is a relief after last season’s cup heroics, the club faces an uncertain future as both managerial and player departures loom. The immediate focus, however, is on Saturday’s trip to Sunderland, a fixture that has suddenly taken on added significance with the Guehi saga unfolding in tandem.

Marc Guehi, Palace’s 25-year-old captain and England international, has become one of the most sought-after defenders in the league. After a near-move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September 2025 fell apart at the last hurdle, Guehi’s stock has only risen. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, several European giants—including Liverpool and Bayern Munich—were reportedly circling, hoping to land him as a free agent.

But Manchester City, currently second in the Premier League and six points behind leaders Arsenal, have swooped in to address their own defensive crisis. Pep Guardiola’s side is reeling from injuries to key defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. “Without John [Stones], without Ruben [Dias], without Josko [Gvardiol], we are in a difficult situation for not one game but a long, long period,” Guardiola admitted. “It’s a difficult situation. Ruben will be back soon. Josko, no. John, hopefully, we’ll see.”

Glasner confirmed the advanced state of negotiations regarding Guehi’s transfer. “I can’t confirm the club because it is not done, but it is in the final stages, and the result is Marc doesn’t play tomorrow for us,” he told the press ahead of the Sunderland match. Later, he elaborated, “Latest understanding, the deal with Marc is in the final stages. When the players want to move on a deal will happen. It looks like it has happened now.”

Guehi’s impending departure means Palace will receive a transfer fee rather than lose their captain for nothing in the summer. For Manchester City, the move represents a critical reinforcement as they chase both Premier League and Champions League glory. Guardiola, typically reticent on transfer matters, declined to comment directly on Guehi, stating, “I have nothing to say.”

Palace supporters are understandably disappointed to lose a player of Guehi’s caliber, especially after his pivotal role in the club’s FA Cup success. Glasner was effusive in his praise for the defender: “Everyone wanted Marc to stay forever. I talked to him, of course, it stays between us. Marc showed it in the summer transfer window, showed it the whole autumn that he was 100% committed to the team and to Crystal Palace. I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of his great career. He is a fantastic guy.”

The upheaval at Palace is further complicated by speculation linking Glasner to the Manchester United job. United, having recently parted ways with Ruben Amorim and installed Michael Carrick as interim manager, are reportedly keen on Glasner’s services. His track record of winning major trophies and adapting quickly to the Premier League has not gone unnoticed by United’s hierarchy.

For now, Glasner remains focused on his current squad, determined to finish the season on a high note despite the distractions. “My decision has already been taken months ago,” he reiterated. “I had a meeting (with co-owner Steve Parish) in the October international break. We had dinner and a very long talk and I told him I would not sign a new contract for Crystal Palace.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s January transfer activity has been brisk, with the acquisition of Antoine Semenyo already completed. The likely addition of Guehi underscores Guardiola’s intent to reinforce his squad for the challenges ahead. With the title race heating up and defensive options stretched thin, City’s aggressive pursuit of Guehi could prove decisive in the months to come.

As Palace prepare to face Sunderland without their captain, and with Glasner’s impending departure now public, the mood around Selhurst Park is one of bittersweet reflection. The club’s first major trophy, secured under Glasner’s stewardship, will remain a cherished memory. Yet, the prospect of rebuilding without both a visionary manager and a stalwart captain poses a daunting challenge.

With the transfer window still open and speculation swirling, all eyes will be on how Crystal Palace navigate the remainder of the season. Will the Eagles soar once more, or is a period of transition on the horizon? For now, the only certainty is change—and plenty of it—as the Premier League drama continues.