Crystal Palace are gearing up for a transformative summer as they make ambitious recruitment plans ahead of the 2025 transfer window. With the potential to qualify for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club's history, contingent upon a victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the Eagles are exploring a range of player signings that could elevate their squad significantly.
Among the most notable developments is the agreement reached with Bright Osayi-Samuel, a right-back currently at Fenerbahçe. Reports indicate that Crystal Palace have secured a contract with the Nigerian international, who is set to leave Turkey when his deal expires in June 2025. Osayi-Samuel is expected to sign a lucrative four-year deal worth €4.5 million (£3.8 million) annually, approximately £73,000 per week. This move is particularly exciting for Eberechi Eze, who previously played alongside Osayi-Samuel at QPR, where they formed a strong partnership over 66 appearances.
Eze expressed his enthusiasm for the potential reunion, stating, "Me and Bright weren’t in the same school team. We were in the same district team. It’s a blessing because you don’t usually get to work with people you’ve grown up with. He’s like a brother to me, so it’s good to share the field with him and it makes everything we do even more special." However, the future of Eze remains uncertain as speculation mounts regarding his own potential departure from Selhurst Park this summer.
In addition to Osayi-Samuel, Crystal Palace have also made inquiries regarding Leeds United defender Junior Firpo, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Firpo has had an impressive campaign in the Championship, contributing four goals and ten assists, making him a coveted target for several clubs, including Everton and West Ham. His ability to strengthen Palace’s defensive line could be invaluable as the club aims to solidify their position in the Premier League.
Palace's interest in Firpo aligns with their broader strategy to enhance their squad under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, who has already started to implement changes. The Eagles have shown significant improvement this season and are keen to push for a top-half finish next year. Signing players like Firpo could play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
Another name on Crystal Palace's radar is Yvan Neyou, a midfielder from Leganés, who is also expected to be available on a free transfer this summer. Reports suggest that Palace have made enquiries regarding Neyou, who has won nine caps for Cameroon and has been a key player for Leganés, making 88 appearances since joining the club permanently in August 2023. However, they face competition from Fulham and Valencia, with the latter reportedly leading the chase to secure his services.
As Palace prepares for the summer transfer window, they are also looking to offload players. Odsonne Edouard, who struggled during a loan spell at Leicester City, is reportedly on the market. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown stated that clubs from the MLS and Saudi Arabia are monitoring Edouard’s situation. With only a year left on his contract, Palace are keen to sell the striker, who has not made a significant impact at Leicester, playing just 113 minutes across all competitions.
Brown commented on Edouard's future, saying, "Crystal Palace want to sell Edouard permanently. He was given the opportunity to go to Leicester and make a difference there, but he hasn’t done that. If he’s not good enough for Leicester, how’s he going to be good enough for Crystal Palace?" This sentiment reflects the club's need to refresh their squad and make strategic decisions about player retention and recruitment.
Additionally, Marc Guehi, another key player for Palace, is attracting interest from Newcastle United, who are reportedly considering a cut-price deal following a failed £70 million bid last year. With Guehi’s contract also nearing its conclusion, the Eagles may need to prepare for his departure as they seek to reinforce their defensive options.
As the club navigates these changes, they are keen to capitalize on their current momentum and secure quality signings that will enhance their competitiveness in the Premier League. The upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City will not only be a chance for glory but also a pivotal moment that could impact their recruitment strategy moving forward.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Crystal Palace's management is working diligently to identify and secure new talent, while also making tough decisions about their current squad. The outcome of the FA Cup final could significantly shape their ambitions and the players they can attract to Selhurst Park.
The excitement surrounding potential signings like Osayi-Samuel and Firpo, alongside the uncertainty of players like Edouard and Guehi, sets the stage for a transformative summer for Crystal Palace. As they prepare for the next chapter, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these developments unfold and what new faces will don the Eagles' colors in the upcoming season.
