Crystal Palace’s activity during the ongoing summer transfer window has been far from satisfactory for their fans, as Oscar Mingueza remains their only signing so far into the summer transfer window.
Crystal Palace will certainly need to step up their efforts regarding some of their potential targets if they are to emulate their successful campaigns in the recent past.
Oliver Glasner’s departure has been a tough pill to swallow for the fans. Now some of their top performers from the previous campaign are now being linked with a move away from Selhurst Park as well.
Crystal Palace should be concerned about summer departures
On top of that list is of course the Eagles’ key centre-back Maxence Lacroix. The Frenchman’s departure could well happen during the coming weeks.
He is wanted by Chelsea and looks to be their top centre-back target. On the other hand, Arsenal have taken an interest in the player as well.
Now a recent report regarding one of Palace’s 2025 summer signings has certainly raised some concerns. It looks like another player is eyeing the exit door and could be willing to go to great lengths to ensure it happens.
Walter Benitez pushing for an exit
As reported by Nice-Matin (via Get French Football News), Walter Benitez could terminate his contract at Crystal Palace in order to secure a return to OGC Nice.
The report suggests that Benitez would be willing to even terminate his contract with the Eagles, which still has two years left on it, and take a pay cut, in order to secure a return to Nice.
Benitez made eight appearances for Palace during the previous campaign and was the clear second choice behind England international Dean Henderson, who hardly gave any reason for Glasner to bench him during crucial fixtures last season.
As it seems, the Argentine goalkeeper might have just felt disappointed with his reduced role at his new club. As a result, he is now keen to push his way out and return to his former team.
Nice could also need the services of the 33-year-old during the new season as their number one, Yehvann Diouf, is also being linked with a move away from the French club.
Benitez joined Palace only last summer from PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer. Now, the Argentine goalkeeper seems keen to return to Nice, where he spent six years, starting from 2016 to 2022.
Despite his age, Benitez certainly has got what it takes to become a starter at some of the top clubs of Europe. Unfortunately at Palace, Henderson’s current form between the posts made it hard for the Argentine to push his way through to Glasner’s starting line-up.
Crystal Palace keeping tabs on Croatian goalkeeper
As for the Eagles, they will now have to probably look for a replacement for their second choice goalkeeper, as Benitez’s departure now looks more imminent than before.
Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on Fenerbache goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who is facing a quite similar situation like Benitez at his current club since they signed Ederson from Manchester City.
The Eagles have certainly shown interest in a number players this summer, but they will now need to really step up their efforts if they are to compete for a top ten finish in the Premier League under new manager Pierre Sage.
