Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has revealed he will intensify discussions over a new contract this month, promising a 'final decision' on his future at Selhurst Park. The Austrian's current deal expires in June, making him a free agent and placing him firmly on the radar of Manchester United.
Contract Talks Set to Accelerate
Glasner, who led Palace to a historic FA Cup triumph last season, had previously cited a hectic December fixture list as a reason to delay negotiations. However, ahead of his side's midweek clash with Aston Villa, the 51-year-old confirmed the situation is about to change. 'In the next weeks, we will intensify the talks,' Glasner stated. He expects to reach a conclusive outcome during a forthcoming four-week period of regular scheduling.
The manager, who replaced Roy Hodgson in February 2024, is now the eighth longest-serving boss in the Premier League. Despite the speculation linking him to the vacancy at Old Trafford, Glasner remains characteristically relaxed. 'There has been speculation since I arrived. So, believe me, I don't really care about it,' he told a press conference.
Glasner's Philosophical Stance on Contracts
In a revealing insight into modern football's transient nature, Glasner questioned the true value of a long-term contract. He pointed to the club's new record signing, Brennan Johnson, who joined for £35 million in January on a four-and-a-half-year deal. Glasner suggested that even such a commitment offers no guarantees, musing that a string of goals could see a 'big club' pay a 'massive fee' for the player this summer.
'The length of a contract in these times doesn't say anything about your future,' Glasner argued. He emphasised that players sign for a club's vision, not solely for a manager, acknowledging that managerial tenures are often fleeting. This philosophy extends to his own position, with the Austrian insisting that nothing occurring in the current transfer window will influence his decision on whether to stay or go.
Palace's Rebuilding Challenge
The context of Glasner's deliberations is a challenging period for Crystal Palace. The club is currently on a run of seven games without a win across all competitions. Furthermore, they face the continued reality of being a selling club, having lost stars Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze in recent summer windows. Captain Marc Guehi is also expected to depart, either this month or at the season's end.
Having already delivered the club's first major trophy and European qualification via their FA Cup victory, the question of what more Glasner can achieve in South London lingers. His successful past, including winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, and his communicative style make him an attractive prospect for a club like Manchester United, who are seeking a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim.
For now, all focus is on the coming weeks of talks. Oliver Glasner's immediate future will soon become clear, but his comments suggest that, in football, even the most final of decisions is only final until the next opportunity arises.
