Naming the First Five Signings Oliver Glasner Needs to Make at Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner has been pushed to bring in five players for Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window amid recent rumors of transfers.

All Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, will be putting together a shortlist of players as the summer transfer window approaches. Oliver Glasner, who took over as manager in February 2024, does not yet have complete control over his team, but that will all change this coming summer.

Since the German strategist joined the team, the Eagles have shown flashes of brilliance, but the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager’s advancement in the south of the city has been somewhat constrained due to the lack of a transfer window.

Because of this, their performance in England’s premier division the next season depends on how well this summer goes. Both adding players who can contribute right away and releasing those judged surplus to needs are crucial.

For Palace to become a serious contender this summer, Glasner and his group need to target these five players, all of whom GIVEMESPORT has lately been connected to, at the top of their shopping list.

Ben Johnson

Current club: West Ham United

With Nathaniel Clyne becoming an eternal substitute and Joel Ward approaching his mid-30s, signing a right-back of Ben Johnson’s ilk would be sensible at Selhurst Park. The West Ham United man, just 24 years old, boasts ample Premier League experience to his name – 65 games to be precise – and would likely become a regular under Glasner and co.

Johnson’s £20,000-per-week London Stadium contract expires at the end of the current campaign and with Palace reportedly ‘confident’ of landing Johnson on a free, a deal should not be difficult to negotiate – and he would be a real coup for a few reasons. As well as his top-flight expertise, Johnson has also demonstrated versatility by playing across the back four in his West Ham stint – which will make him an attractive prospect for suitors, including the south London club.

Cristhian Mosquera

Current club: Valencia

The Eagles’ interest in Valencia youngster Cristhian Mosquera dates back to the January transfer window when they made an approach for the coveted centre-back. At just 19 years old, the Spaniard has made 27 La Liga appearances for his employers this season, not missing a single minute of their last 22 matches.

Despite Palace’s early interest, other clubs in Europe, such as Atletico Madrid, are also tracking him, per The Standard. Glasner’s persistence in playing a three-at-the-back system could mean that signing two centre-backs could be on the summer agenda – and being proactive by securing someone of Mosquera’s calibre would be prudent.

Eddie Nketiah

Current club: Arsenal

Palace are in dire need of a new striker, as neither Jean-Philippe Mateta nor Odsonne Edouard seem capable of being a reliable source of goals for the club. Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal could be the solution, having notched six goals and three assists in 1,360 minutes of action this season. The Englishman’s lack of minutes at the Emirates Stadium might make him open to a summer switch.

What could hinder Palace from striking a deal with their fellow capital club, however, is Nketiah’s hefty take home of £100,000. Only a trio of Palace players – Michael Olise, Dean Henderson and Eberechi Eze – currently earn that much, and it’s uncertain whether Nketiah warrants the same financial package.

Samuel Iling-Junior

Current club: Juventus

According to reports, Palace are targeting Juventus’ Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, to be one of their marquee signings this summer. With the futures of Eze and Olise uncertain at Selhurst Park, signing a winger could be imperative – and the five-cap England Under-21 international fits the bill.

Iling-Junior’s limited game time in Turin could prompt him to seek regular minutes elsewhere when the transfer window opens for business, and Palace are among the would-be buyers. Also admired by Tottenham Hotspur, his signature is believed to be valued at around £17 million and if Palace are serious about stamping their authority on the Premier League under Glasner’s watch, acquiring Iling-Junior could prove to be a sensational move.

Jake Clarke-Salter

Current club: Queens Park Rangers

Palace’s threadbare defensive options could worsen if Marc Guehi departs in the summer. Jake Clarke-Salter, a Chelsea graduate, struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge but has begun to showcase his potential at Loftus Road. The 26-year-old, who is under contract until 2026, is piquing interest from an array of clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.

Once tipped by John Terry to replace him at Stamford Bridge, Clarke-Salter has become ever-present in QPR’s back line, starting 25 Championship games this season, and looks primed to finally make the step up to the tier above. With a host of clubs vying for his signature, Palace may find themselves in a tug-of-war battle this summer, especially considering his modest £10,000-a-week salary.