Crystal Palace announced contract extensions for a number of key squad players on Friday.
The quartet of midfielder James McArthur, Jeffrey Schlupp, Martin Kelly and Stephen Henderson have all put pen to paper on extensions over an undisclosed period of time.
All four players offered statements to the official club website.
Ghanaian international Schlupp has made 97 appearances for Palace since joining the club from Leicester in January 2017. The versatile squad player said of his extended deal: “Last season was a difficult one at times due to injuries.
“However, I’m delighted to have finished it off with a goal against Spurs, feeling 100% and extending my time with the club. I’m already looking forward to hitting the ground running in a few weeks’ time when the season restarts.”
Scottish Palace veteran James McArthur, who will now be entering his seventh season with the Eagles, commented: “When I arrived here in 2014, I didn’t consider the fact that, six years later, I would be making my 200th appearance for the club as I did against Bournemouth last season. I’m proud of what the club has achieved during my time and I’m delighted to be carrying on here.”
Centre-half Martin Kelly, who has clocked up 145 appearances for the Eagles since his move from Liverpool, said: “Having lived here for six years, my family are settled in south London and I’m extremely happy at Palace; it’s a close-knit club. I’m proud to have played my part in us establishing eight consecutive seasons in the Premier League, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this squad can achieve this coming season.”
Experienced third-choice goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has also extended his stay in south London. The Irish shot-stopper, who signed from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2019, said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Dean [Kiely], plus Wayne [Hennessey] and Vicente [Guaita], too; it’s a great group to be part of. I’m delighted to continue my time with Palace, and I’m ready to contribute should I be called upon.”
Having signed extensions, the members of the first team will also be eligible to play in Tuesday’s upcoming friendly fixture against Oxford United, along with new summer signing Nathan Ferguson.
