Crystal Palace Future In Chaos As Oliver Glasner Confirms He Will Not Renew Contract With Club
Crystal Palace supporters are beginning to sense another major turning point at Selhurst Park, just when the club looked to be settling into a period of genuine progress. After delivering the greatest success in Palace’s modern history, Oliver Glasner is now expected to walk away when his contract expires in the summer of 2026.
Reports suggest there will be no renewal talks, with the club already preparing for a new head coach to take charge from the 2026-27 season. Behind the scenes, planning has quietly begun. Spanish sources have pointed towards Getafe manager José Bordalas as a leading candidate to succeed Glasner. The possibility of such a change has sparked intense debate, as Palace face the challenge of replacing a manager who raised expectations while also redefining the club’s identity.
Crystal Palace And The Glasner Era Ending
When Oliver Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace in February 2024, expectations were modest. Roy Hodgson’s second spell had steadied the ship, but Palace were drifting without a clear long-term vision. Glasner brought clarity almost immediately, implementing a defined structure and restoring belief within the squad.
What followed exceeded even the most optimistic projections. Palace lifted the FA Cup for the first time in their history, defeating Manchester City, a moment that will live forever in club folklore. The success continued with a Community Shield victory, further underlining the progress made under the Austrian coach.
Despite those achievements, Glasner’s contract situation has remained unresolved. As of December 2025, his deal runs until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, and multiple reports indicate that he has already decided against extending his stay. The reasons appear to go beyond results on the pitch.
Sources close to the club suggest frustration has grown around recruitment strategy and long-term ambition. Glasner reportedly pushed for greater backing to strengthen the squad and maintain Palace’s competitiveness domestically and in Europe.
Those concerns have seemingly not been fully addressed, leading to a growing disconnect between manager and hierarchy. Rather than allowing uncertainty to drag on, Palace are now preparing for his departure well in advance. For supporters, the news is bittersweet. Gratitude for what Glasner delivered is undeniable; yet, there is an underlying fear that the club could lose momentum just as it felt ready to push forward.
What José Bordalas Brings To The Table
With Glasner’s exit increasingly likely, attention has turned to potential successors. One name gaining traction is José Bordalas, the current Getafe manager and one of La Liga’s most recognisable coaching figures.
Bordalas has built a reputation in Spain as a manager who thrives under limitations. His Getafe side has consistently overperformed, relying on discipline, physical intensity, and tactical organisation rather than star power. Those traits have made his teams notoriously difficult to face, particularly for possession-heavy opponents.
His achievements speak for themselves. Bordalas guided Getafe to their highest-ever league finish, securing fifth place and European qualification. He has also demonstrated his ability to manage promotion pressure, most notably with Deportivo Alavés earlier in his career. That reputation, however, comes with controversy. Bordalas has often been criticised for a pragmatic style that prioritises results over aesthetics.
Several high-profile managers in Spain have publicly expressed frustration with his methods, branding them overly aggressive or negative. For Crystal Palace, the appointment would signal a clear shift in philosophy. Bordalas represents almost the opposite end of the tactical spectrum compared to Glasner. Where the Austrian focused on structure combined with attacking fluidity, Bordalas is synonymous with compactness and game management.
His contract situation at Getafe makes him an attainable option, with his current deal also expiring next summer. While no official approach has been confirmed, Palace’s interest appears credible as they evaluate coaches capable of maintaining competitiveness without requiring major financial outlay.
Challenges Awaiting Crystal Palace In Transition
The decision to move on from Glasner carries significant risk. Replacing a successful manager is rarely straightforward, and Palace face several immediate challenges as they plan for the next phase.
Squad stability remains a major concern. Club captain Marc Guehi has already informed Palace that he will leave on a free transfer next year after rejecting a new contract. His departure alone would leave a leadership vacuum, and it could encourage further exits if uncertainty grows.
Several other contracts are also approaching their final stages, making the next eighteen months a delicate balancing act. The incoming manager will need clarity on recruitment, renewals and tactical direction long before the first ball of the 2026-27 season is kicked.
Transfer policy is another sensitive area. Glasner’s frustrations around investment were never fully hidden, and supporters have echoed similar concerns. Competing on multiple fronts demands depth, and Palace have often struggled to add quality without selling first.
Fan expectations have also changed. Recent success has raised belief across the fanbase, and patience will be thinner than in previous transitional periods. Any stumble in results or lack of ambition could quickly turn optimism into unrest.
Palace’s leadership now faces a defining moment. The next appointment cannot simply be reactive. It must fit a clear vision that aligns recruitment, tactical identity, and long-term sustainability.
What Supporters And Pundits Are Saying
Reaction to the situation has been divided. Some fans see Glasner’s decision as understandable, believing he has taken the club as far as circumstances allow. For them, a fresh voice could offer renewed energy and a different competitive edge.
Others worry that Palace are gambling with stability. Glasner delivered historic success, and replacing him with a manager known for a contrasting style feels like a step into the unknown. The potential appointment of Bordalas has particularly split opinion among supporters.
Pundits have offered similar mixed views. Some argue that Bordalas could make Palace tougher and more resilient, particularly against elite opposition. Others believe the club should aim for continuity rather than a sharp tactical reset.
What remains clear is that Crystal Palace are approaching one of the most important decisions of the modern era. Glasner’s departure will close a remarkable chapter, and the choice of who follows him could determine whether Palace build on recent success or slide back into uncertainty. The next few months may not bring official confirmation, but the direction of travel is already becoming clear. Palace are preparing for change, and the entire football world will be watching closely to see how they handle it.
