Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner delivered a bombshell press conference, confirming that not only he would leave, but also captain Marc Guehi was close to his own exit
Oliver Glasner has sparked a Crystal Palace exodus by confirming he will quit in the summer.
Palace captain Marc Guehi will be even quicker out of the door as Manchester City have agreed a £30m deal for the England defender. And striker Jean-Philippe Mateta could also be on his way as his contract has just 18 months left and Palace could be forced to cash in.
It was a remarkable whirlwind at Selhurst Park as Glasner dropped his bombshell to his players on Friday morning and his departure puts him firmly in the frame for the Manchester United job as he is on their shortlist.
Glasner said he wanted a “new challenge” ahead of Palace’s trip to Sunderland on Saturday and then just minutes later said the club had agreed a deal for Guehi to move to City.
City boss Pep Guardiola has been desperate to sign Guehi to strengthen his squad but the deal is remarkable because the centre half only has six months left and would be a free agent in the summer.
READ MORE: Marc Guehi fee revealed as Man City agree bargain January transfer dealREAD MORE: Transfer news LIVE: City agree £30m Guehi deal, Man Utd confident on Baleba, Glasner to LEAVE Crystal Palace
City have had to pay £20m with the fee rising to £30m but it is loaded with add-ons and incentives based on success and could take it even higher.
Guehi, 25, has agreed a huge contract worth in the region of £300,000-a-week because City knew he could command huge wages as a free agent with Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich ready to pounce.
However, Glasner insisted Guehi’s departure was not linked to his own and he had already agreed with chairman Steve Parish that he would leave at the end of his contract, having led the club to FA Cup glory last season.
Glasner said: “My decision had already been taken months ago. I had a meeting with Steve in October international break over dinner.
“I told him I would not sign a new contract with Crystal Palace. We agreed at the time it was best to keep it between us. I told the team today the same. I think it is important to have clarity. I have not spoken to any other club.”
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Glasner admitted the dressing room was “surprised” that Guehi – who saw a deadline day move to Liverpool fall down last summer – had decided to leave and he will not be in the squad to face Sunderland.
Glasner said: “When the players want to move on a deal will happen. It looks like it has happened now. Everyone wanted Marc Guehi to stay forever.
“I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of his great career. He is a fantastic guy.”
Glasner also warned France striker Mateta could go if an offer comes in and he does not commit to a new deal.
Glasner added: “It is the same. There will be a price where Crystal Palace say ’18 months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants.’ If nobody pays this price then JP will stay.”
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