Crystal Palace endured a slow start to the transfer window that frustrated FA Cup-winning manager Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles were also in a difficult position with Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze. Both were candidates for transfer moves, but Palace were slow in finding replacements.
Eze secured his big-money transfer, and Palace did not replace him until the final days of the transfer window, while Liverpool pushed for Guehi.
However, Palace could not find a replacement for Guehi, and Glasner insisted the club could not let him leave without an experienced addition.
Glasner reportedly threatened to leave if the Eagles sold Guehi before the close of the transfer window. He has denied those reports.
Glasner said (via Sky Sports): “Number one, I never threatened to leave the club, never.” He went on to explain how the situation went down with Palace chairman Steve Parish.
When Parish asked whether they could manage the season without Guehi, Glasner said he told the majority shareholder that they could not, at least in the short term.
He explained that a youngster from Ligue 1 with around 1,000 minutes of game time under his belt, Jaydee Canvot, cannot adequately replace the Palace captain.
Letting him go would leave them with only three capable centre-halves, which is a shot in their own foot, considering they field a three-at-the-back formation.
Any injury in the rearguard would be detrimental to the season, and Glasner wasn’t willing to risk it because they are competing on several fronts.
The board was aware that Guehi was entering the final year of his contract, but they failed to plan appropriately, leaving Glasner exposed with a thin squad.
The transfer window was underwhelming and seemed to lack ambition. Instead of seizing the chance to reinforce a promising side, Palace dithered and settled for last-minute fixes.
Glasner deserved backing with proven quality, but the club’s reluctance to act decisively has left the Eagles short, and the responsibility sits firmly with the hierarchy.
