Crystal Palace could yet be one of the more active Premier League sides before the January transfer window closes on 2 February, with squad reshaping ongoing both on and off the pitch.
A turbulent month has already seen senior departures, strategic sales and growing uncertainty around the club’s short-term direction. With several needs still unresolved, Palace are assessing whether further business is required now — or can be postponed until the summer.
What Palace have already done
January has brought significant change at Selhurst Park. The most seismic development was the sale of captain Marc Guéhi, a deal that reshaped the club’s defensive planning. That news was followed swiftly by confirmation that head coach Oliver Glasner has informed chairman Steve Parish of his intention to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
In terms of incomings, Palace moved early to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur for £35m, a statement addition designed to raise attacking output.
Outgoings have included Naouirou Ahamada, who joined Auxerre on a free transfer, while Romain Esse and Owen Goodman were loaned to Coventry City and Barnsley respectively.
Where the squad still needs work
Despite planning ahead by signing Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse last summer, Guéhi’s exit leaves Palace light at centre-back. Additional defensive reinforcement is still being discussed internally.
There is also a clear need for depth at right wing-back behind Daniel Muñoz, while the striker situation remains unresolved amid growing uncertainty over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future.
Mateta situation forcing Palace’s hand
Mateta has informed Palace he wants to leave this month, prompting serious consideration of whether to accelerate striker recruitment. Juventus explored a January move, while Aston Villa — long-term admirers — are again monitoring the situation.
If Palace sanction Mateta’s exit before the deadline, sourcing a replacement becomes unavoidable rather than optional.
Possible incomings under consideration
Having followed Palace’s recruitment patterns closely this season, several attacking options continue to be assessed behind the scenes. Evann Guessand remains on the club’s radar after Palace failed to land him in the summer, with the forward currently struggling for regular minutes at Aston Villa. At the same time, discussions have taken place regarding teenage striker Sidiki Cherif from Angers, viewed as a longer-term development prospect rather than an immediate solution.
Palace also explored the possibility of signing highly-rated teenager Ethan Nwaneri, but the Arsenal youngster is now set to join Marseille on loan, effectively ending that avenue for this window.
Loans and squad management
On the fringes of the squad, full-back Danny Imray has been recalled from Blackpool and could yet be sent out again before the deadline. Winger Hindolo Mustapha, 19, saw his loan at 1. FC Nürnberg terminated early, while interest is building around a potential loan move for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Key Insights
- Palace may still add before the 2 February deadline.
- Centre-back and striker remain priority positions.
- Mateta’s future could dictate late business.
- Several young attackers are being monitored.
- Loan exits remain likely.
What’s Next
Much will depend on whether Palace receive an acceptable offer for Mateta in the coming days. If that happens, recruitment plans will accelerate rapidly. Otherwise, the club may opt for stability now and revisit key positions in the summer once Glasner’s successor is identified.
However, this remains subject to confirmation, and late-window dynamics could yet force Palace’s hand.
Should Crystal Palace push for a striker now or wait until the summer rebuild?
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