Crystal Palace is buzzing with transfer talk as manager Oliver Glasner eyes his second January signing, and this time, it’s Zakaria El Ouahdi who’s in the spotlight. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while Standard Sport reports that El Ouahdi is eager to make the move, negotiations are still in their early stages, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s break it down.
The 24-year-old Moroccan talent has been turning heads this season, racking up 20 appearances and four goals for his Belgian club. Despite making his senior debut for Morocco, he didn’t make the cut for the Africa Cup of Nations squad—a surprising omission that adds another layer to his story. Is this a missed opportunity, or a chance for Palace to swoop in?
Palace’s urgency to strengthen their squad is clear, especially with right-back Daniel Munoz recovering from knee surgery and Nathaniel Clyne sidelined with an adductor injury. But is El Ouahdi the right fit, or are there bigger names on the horizon? Meanwhile, Glasner’s side has already made waves by signing Brennan Johnson from Tottenham for a staggering £35 million—a club record. Johnson’s debut against Newcastle, though ending in a 2-0 loss, hinted at his potential impact.
And this is the part most people miss: Glasner’s own future at Palace is up in the air. With just six months left on his contract, talks are set to intensify after the FA Cup tie against Macclesfield. Will he stay, or will Palace be left scrambling for a new manager mid-season? Glasner himself admitted, ‘In the next weeks, we will intensify the talks… I expect to find a final decision.’
Adding to the drama, Glasner hinted that Marc Guehi could be sold in January if the price is right, with Manchester City circling. Is this a smart financial move, or a risky gamble? ‘Everybody wants him to stay,’ Glasner said, ‘but if a massive offer comes and Marc wants to go, it will happen.’ Where do you stand on this?
As Palace navigates this pivotal January window, one thing’s certain: the Eagles are playing for keeps. But with so many moving parts, will they soar—or stumble? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
