Crystal Palace’s new era under a new manager could start off on the worst note should Tottenham Hotspur steal one of their FA Cup-winning heroes. A busy summer transfer window is in store for the Eagles, and that includes outgoings.
Oliver Glasner will leave the club when his contract expires in June, and several stars will follow suit. Daichi Kamada is reportedly departing for the same reason, while Adam Wharton is linked with Liverpool and Manchester United.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future remains uncertain despite a failed move to AC Milan in January. Reports suggest Newcastle United are eyeing the French striker.
Tottenham want Crystal Palace’s Hendo
The 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final came courtesy of Eberechi Eze’s winner and Dean Henderson’s penalty save. The English goalkeeper denied Omar Marmoush from 12 yards to help his side make history and win their first-ever major trophy.
Henderson has worn Palace’s captain’s armband following Marc Guehi’s departure to Manchester City. He is a leader whose experience has been hugely beneficial for Glasner.
The 28-year-old’s performances, including in a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, haven’t gone unnoticed. Tottenham have particularly taken notice of his displays between the sticks this season.
According to Football Insider, Spurs have set their sights on Henderson and have been eyeing the Englishman since the start of last season. He has “impressed” the Lilywhites, who are ready to part with Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Henderson has appeared 36 times across competitions this season, keeping 14 clean sheets. He joined Palace from Manchester United in the summer of 2023 and has just over two years left on his contract.
The South Londoners are keen to offer him a new deal and “determined” to keep him at Selhurst Park. He has been crucial for Glasner and will undoubtedly be number one under the next permanent manager.
Don’t even think about it
There’s no word on the price that Tottenham are looking to pay for Henderson or how much Palace would demand. He cost the Eagles £20m from United and has become one of the most important members of the first team.
Glasner’s replacement must be eased into his role, and having the likes of Henderson in the squad is vital. He is still relatively young for a goalkeeper and should be the club’s number one in the long run.
A Henderson sale creates an unnecessary issue of having to sign a replacement when other areas of the team need addressing. While high-profile departures are anticipated, the Englishman must not be one of them.
Henderson’s viewpoint
There’s no guarantee Henderson would even be willing to make the move to a Spurs side who are struggling this season. The North Londoners have been dragged into a relegation battle, and some of their own top stars are expected to push for the exit door this summer.
Henderson has become a hero at Selhurst Park and is adored by the club’s fanbase. He constantly speaks of his pride in playing for the club and recently warned teammates considering their futures:
“They certainly shouldn’t [be thinking about their next move] and if they have they need to be very careful because if you don’t put the performances in, then ultimately you don’t get the move.”
Henderson made his 100th appearance for Palace in their 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) win over Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar in their Europa Conference League play-off second-leg. He will be eager to win his first European trophy as the tournament heads into the last 16.
