Glasner Confirms Palace Exit As European Giants Take Notice

Crystal Palace fans woke up to seismic news on Friday, January 16, 2026, as manager Oliver Glasner officially confirmed he will leave the club at the end of this season. The announcement, delivered in a candid press conference, sets off a whirlwind of speculation not only for Palace’s future but also for the next chapter in Glasner’s already storied managerial career.

Glasner, the 51-year-old Austrian who arrived at Selhurst Park in February 2024, has become a transformative figure for the Eagles. His tenure began in the throes of a relegation battle, but he swiftly steered Palace to safety and a 10th-place finish that spring. The following season, he etched his name into club history by masterminding a dramatic 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley—Palace’s first major trophy. That triumph also propelled the club into European football for the first time, a feat that will be remembered for generations.

But now, after nearly two years at the helm, Glasner says it’s time for “a new challenge.” He revealed that he informed chairman Steve Parish of his decision as far back as October 2025, during the international break. “A decision has already been taken months ago,” Glasner told reporters. “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 best to keep it between us. It’s the best that we could do that and keep it confidential for three months. 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.”

The news, while a blow, was not entirely unexpected in South London. Rumors had swirled for weeks as Palace’s form dipped, with the club now winless in their last nine matches, including a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of sixth-tier Macclesfield just last weekend. Yet, Glasner’s legacy is secure. Despite this rough patch, he’s viewed by many as the club’s greatest ever manager, not just for the silverware but for the belief and ambition he instilled in the squad and fanbase alike.

Glasner’s announcement wasn’t the only headline from his Friday press conference. He confirmed that club captain and defensive stalwart Marc Guehi is on the brink of a high-profile transfer to Manchester City. “Marc Guehi is in the process of finalising a transfer to Manchester City,” said Glasner, ending speculation that had been building for weeks. The England defender’s departure, if completed, will mark the end of an era for Palace’s back line and provide a significant test for the club’s recruitment team.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has enjoyed a renaissance under Glasner’s guidance, is also free to leave during the January transfer window. Such upheaval in the squad could have derailed lesser teams, but Glasner was quick to emphasize that his decision to move on was not linked to player sales or the club’s transfer policy. “I told Steve I’m just looking for a new challenge. I told him in October, it’s nothing to do with the transfer window,” Glasner explained. “I hate if something is written or said that is not true, and it was very tough for me not to respond. We have a great relationship, and we’re always talking about what is best for Crystal Palace.”

Despite the uncertainty swirling around Selhurst Park, Glasner insists he remains fully committed to finishing the season strong. “I haven’t spoken to any other club, I told the players that and promised them today I will give my best to give the best season in Crystal Palace history. We are now four points better off than we were at this stage of the season and we will do everything to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park.”

That trophy hunt continues on multiple fronts. Palace, having been demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules, now face Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League play-off draw. “We had the Conference League draw today, we will play Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia in the play-off draw and I had a look at the draw tree, it’ll be quite interesting who we could play in our section. I will do everything to help bring a trophy back to Selhurst Park,” Glasner said, eyes fixed firmly on one more shot at glory.

Glasner’s impact on Palace is underscored by the club’s recent history. Before his arrival, the Eagles were perennial survivors, never quite threatening the league’s upper echelons or dreaming of European nights. Under his stewardship, not only did they secure their highest-ever finish, but they also tasted European football—a remarkable turnaround for a side that had been flirting with relegation just two years prior.

It’s little wonder, then, that Glasner’s impending availability has set off alarm bells at several of Europe’s biggest clubs. Manchester United, currently with Michael Carrick as interim manager, are reportedly keen, with club executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada evaluating options for the summer. Manchester City, too, may be in the market if Pep Guardiola decides to step down, although the Spaniard recently extended his contract through 2027. In Germany, Borussia Dortmund are said to be monitoring the situation, while Italian giants Juventus—whose current manager Luciano Spalletti is only contracted until season’s end—could be tempted to bring Glasner to Turin if he’s open to a move outside England. Even Tottenham Hotspur, languishing in 14th place and struggling under Thomas Frank, might look to the Austrian as a potential savior.

For now, though, the focus remains on the present. Palace’s next test comes quickly, as they travel to Sunderland for a Premier League clash on Saturday, January 17, 2026. With the team’s form faltering and key players set to depart, the challenge is immense. But if Glasner’s tenure has proven anything, it’s that the Austrian relishes adversity—and, just maybe, he has one last miracle left in him for the Eagles.

As the search for Glasner’s successor begins and the rumor mill churns, Crystal Palace supporters will savor these final months under the man who delivered them to heights they once thought impossible. The end of an era is always bittersweet, but the legacy Oliver Glasner leaves behind at Selhurst Park will not soon be forgotten.