Palace Begin Hunt for Glasner Successor After Manager Confirms Summer Exit

Crystal Palace have begun their managerial search in earnest, making contact with two candidates to succeed Oliver Glasner following his confirmation that he will depart Selhurst Park when the season concludes.

The Austrian tactician has transformed the Eagles since arriving in early 2024, compiling an impressive 41 victories from 95 matches across all competitions. His tenure has been defined by genuine success: European qualification secured and, most notably, the club's first-ever FA Cup triumph last season.

Yet that very success has made Glasner a target for bigger fish. Manchester United have positioned themselves as frontrunners for his services, though Liverpool and Tottenham have also circled. With his contract situation always pointing towards a summer exit, the writing has been on the wall.

On Friday, Glasner ended months of speculation by publicly confirming his departure. He revealed that he and chairman Steve Parish had thrashed out the details back in October during the international break, with both parties agreeing to keep matters quiet until the time was right.

"A decision has already been taken, months ago," Glasner told reporters. "I had a meeting with Steve in October, the international break. We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed at the time it was the best to keep it between us."

The manager insisted he remains fully committed to the Palace cause, promising to deliver the club's best-ever points tally this term. "I'm just looking for a new challenge," he explained. "I haven't spoken to any other club, I told the players that and promised them today I will give my best to give the best season in Crystal Palace history."

Palace, at least, have had the luxury of preparation time. The club's hierarchy began laying groundwork for a replacement search last year, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing that Rayo Vallecano boss Iñigo Pérez and Getafe's Pepe Bordalás have already been approached. Liam Rosenior featured on their shortlist too, though his recent move to Chelsea has taken him out of the running.

The timing of Glasner's announcement proves particularly brutal for supporters, arriving on the same day that captain Marc Guehi's imminent transfer to Manchester City became clear—a double whammy of departures that will sting the Palace faithful.