Oliver Glasner, the Crystal Palace manager, has once again voiced his concerns regarding the need for squad reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window. This plea comes amidst a challenging run of form for the Eagles, who recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, marking their third consecutive Premier League loss.
Glasner's concerns aren't new. He has previously lamented the lack of squad depth and made it "pretty clear" what Palace requires in the transfer window. His frustration stems from the team's inability to convert chances into goals, a problem highlighted by their significant xG (expected goals) differential. Palace have scored considerably fewer goals than their xG would suggest, indicating a need for more clinical finishing.
Several factors contribute to Palace's current predicament. Key players like Ismaila Sarr are unavailable due to international duty, while others, including Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada, are sidelined with injuries. This has stretched the squad thin, further emphasizing the need for additions. Glasner has placed the responsibility squarely on the board to provide solutions in January. He believes the team is missing "little things that are important to stay where we are" and that they are "not far away from being constantly in these areas".
The need for reinforcements is particularly acute in attacking positions, where Palace have struggled to find the net recently. The club is reportedly interested in signing a wide forward to add depth and competition in that area. They are also keen to bolster their options at right wing-back, with Bayern Munich's Sacha Boey reportedly a target.
Former Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has also weighed in on the situation, urging the board to back Glasner in the transfer market. Pardew emphasized the importance of keeping Glasner at the club, especially with his contract expiring in the summer. He believes that providing Glasner with new players would be a strong signal of intent and increase the likelihood of him staying longer term.
However, Glasner's future at Selhurst Park is uncertain. He has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from the club, and there is speculation that he is being considered for other managerial positions, including at Chelsea. Crystal Palace are said to be doing their "due diligence" on potential replacements.
Despite the recent setbacks, Glasner believes 2025 has been a historic year for Crystal Palace. The club secured their first major trophy by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final and qualified for the UEFA Conference League. However, to maintain their progress and compete on multiple fronts, Glasner is adamant that the squad needs strengthening in January. The club's transfer activity in January could be crucial in determining not only their success this season but also Glasner's long-term future at the club.
