Crystal Palace 'agree' new contract with defender linked with Premier League exit

Crystal Palace are said to have agreed a new contract with a key defender in a bid to stave off interest from elsewhere in the Premier League. The Eagles have enjoyed a strong season this term, currently in 12th and still with a chance of finishing in the top half, currently five points off.

Oliver Glasner has done a fine job at Selhurst Park this season, and he will be hoping to build on that momentum next term. But one of the central parts to that will be keeping some of his best players.

We have already seen the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton linked with moves away ahead of this summer, and it’s no secret that Palace typically make a big sale to fund squad building, squad building that might become more difficult after the departure of long-time sporting chief Dougie Freedman.

Guehi seems to be the most likely to depart, given his current contract is only until the summer of 2026, putting Palace in a tricky position if a big offer comes in again, with Newcastle United putting up big advances last summer.

But another player who has been linked with an exit is full-back Daniel Muñoz, who has been linked with Manchester City having been a consistent performer this season, able to play full-back and wing-back, providing plenty of threat at the top end of the pitch.

Asked last week about new contract talks with Muñoz, Palace boss Glasner said: “Not yet. We’ve confirmed Will [Hughes], but you can expect that we will confirm a few things in the next couple of days. Danny [Munoz] embodies the passion and spirit of the team. He’s so professional and always playing at a very high level.

“Also, he knows he has to improve a few things. For example, when we conceded the third goal after half time at Manchester City, he opened up the gap inside which he’s done two or three times this season. It’s great to have him. Since he arrived, he’s had such a good and positive impact on the Crystal Palace performance. Having these kinds of players in the squad is what you wish as a manager. He’s very reliable and always available. He has four goals and eight assists as a wing-back, so it’s very positive.”

On the back of those comments, Alan Nixon has reported that Palace have now struck an agreement with the player, improving his terms and adding a further year onto his existing contract, which was due to expire in 2027 with an option of a further year, meaning he will now be tied down until 2028, while it’s unclear what the case will be with the club option to a further year.

The 28-year-old right-back has made 31 Premier League appearances for Palace this season, scoring four times from the back, while he has also managed five assists. Palace will be delighted to tie him down if the report is indeed accurate.

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