The summer is nearly upon us, and Crystal Palace will be focused on backing a new manager following Oliver Glasner’s departure. The Austrian leaves his job in June when his contract expires, and several members of his squad could follow suit.
A new centre-back is a priority as the club looks to deal with Marc Guehi’s exit in January. Jean-Philippe Mateta still looks likely to leave despite a failed move to AC Milan earlier this year.
That could lead to a new veteran frontman taking his place in the Palace squad. The good news is that South Londoners might not have to splash the cash too much if they use the free-agent market wisely.
With that said, Read Crystal Palace look at five Premier League players who are set to be available on a free transfer this summer. They could help a new manager address several issues in the squad.
Vitaliy Mykolenko (Everton)
There remains uncertainty over Vitaliy Mykolenko’s future at Everton despite the Ukrainian left-back featuring regularly under David Moyes. His contract is up in the summer, but the club have the option to extend it for one year.
Should the Toffees opt not to trigger this option, Palace could pounce for a player with four years of Premier League experience. While the 26-year-old wouldn’t be a game-changing signing, he would almost certainly offer better competition to Tyrick Mitchell for the left-back berth.
Borna Sosa has failed to impress since arriving from Ajax last summer, struggling to earn regular game time. He might already be nearing the exit door, and signing Mykolenko on a free would be an ideal solution.
| Vitaliy Mykolenko (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 24 |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 1 |
| Interceptions: | 1.0 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.3 |
| Balls recovered per game: | 3.4 |
| Key passes: | 0.7 |
| Ground duels won: | 2.6 (52%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 1.5 (53%) |
Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Harry Wilson has arguably been the biggest surprise of the season, given his goalscoring contributions for Fulham. The Welsh attacker has starred for Marco Silva’s Cottagers, and it’s bizarre that his club have allowed his contract to run down.
The 28-year-old is linked with moves to Everton and EFL Championship outfit Wrexham, per talkSPORT. Surely if Palace came calling, they’d have a good chance of sealing his signature.
While Wilson is a right-winger by trade, he is also versatile, able to operate well as an attacking midfielder. Glasner’s replacement might use a different system that fits the Welshman into his lineup and allows Ismaila Sarr to continue on the right.
| Harry Wilson (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 27 |
| Goals: | 9 |
| Assists: | 6 |
| Big chances created: | 6 |
| Key passes: | 1.1 |
| Accurate crosses: | 0.9 (26%) |
| Successful dribbles: | 0.4 (50%) |
| Ground duels won: | 2.3 (53%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 0.1 (16%) |
John Stones (Manchester City)
Why not replace Guehi with John Stones, the man whom the former Palace captain has replaced in Pep Guardiola’s team? It’s widely reported that Stones will leave Manchester City when his contract ends in June.
There haven’t been many better central defenders in the Premier League since he made the switch to the Etihad. He boasts years of experience winning major trophies, including six titles.
Signing a player of the 31-year-old’s ability would be a massive statement from Palace’s transfer chiefs that they mean business. He still has plenty to give and could be ideal to help the likes of Jaydee Canvot develop into similar world-class defenders.
| John Stones (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 7 |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 0 |
| Interceptions: | 0.3 |
| Tackles per game: | 0.0 |
| Balls recovered per game: | 2.4 |
| Clearances per game: | 2.0 |
| Ground duels won: | 0.3 (40%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 1.3 (90%) |
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Palace are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs looking to sign Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson. The veteran Scot’s future was in doubt last summer when Atletico Madrid expressed interest in signing him.
Robertson remained at Anfield but has since been displaced by Milos Kerkez in Arne Slot’s team. It looks increasingly likely that the 31-year-old will be calling time on his career with the Merseysiders when the season ends.
A move for the former Hull City man would take Sosa’s struggles into account. His best days might be behind him, but he is a proven winner whose mentality could make a world of difference for the Eagles.
| Andy Robertson (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 17 |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 0 |
| Interceptions: | 0.4 |
| Tackles per game: | 0.6 |
| Balls recovered per game: | 1.7 |
| Key passes: | 0.9 |
| Ground duels won: | 0.8 (62%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 0.6 (45%) |
Callum Wilson (West Ham United)
Callum Wilson was surprisingly set to leave West Ham United in January, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side’s relegation battle saw him stay put. The veteran English striker might not be the potent goalscorer he once was, but he is still a handful for opposition defenders.
There’s a good chance that Wilson leaves the London Stadium even if the Hammers stay up. Palace should be on alert regarding the 34-year-old’s future.
Wilson wouldn’t demand a starting role in the Eagles’ team and instead offer vital experience as backup to Jorgen Strand Larsen. With Mateta likely heading off, the former Newcastle frontman could be an excellent free agent signing.
| Callum Wilson (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 24 |
| Goals: | 5 |
| Assists: | 1 |
| Goals per game: | 0.2 |
| Goal conversion: | 16% |
| Total shots: | 1.3 |
| Successful dribbles: | 0.5 (58%) |
| Key passes: | 1.1 (42%) |
| Ground duels won: | 0.6 (28%) |
