Palace seek Iraola’s verdict on head coach role amid recruitment overhaul

Crystal Palace are awaiting a formal response from Andoni Iraola regarding an offer to become their new head coach, following the confirmed departure of outgoing manager Oliver Glasner. The club has proposed granting Iraola significant influence over the recruitment operation to secure his appointment, with a response requested by the end of the weekend.

The move represents an ambitious attempt to stabilise the squad after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in Leipzig. Owner Steve Parish stated the club has "gone up a level" and aims to maintain that status, noting that while there will be a week to celebrate, the focus must immediately shift to working hard in the summer to retain the club’s elevated standing.

If Iraola declines the role, Frank Lampard, currently manager of Coventry City, is identified as a primary alternative. Palace acknowledge that releasing Lampard from his contract with Coventry presents a significant obstacle, though there is optimism he may be open to joining ahead of next season. Other potential candidates discussed include Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche, and Thomas Frank.

Luring Iraola to Selhurst Park would be a significant coup for the club, given his success in guiding Bournemouth to qualification for next season’s Europa League. However, the delay in his decision has led to a degree of scepticism inside the club regarding whether the Bournemouth head coach is prepared to accept the position.

Beyond the managerial search, player retention remains a critical narrative for Palace. Adam Wharton’s man-of-the-match performance in the final has heightened interest from elite clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United. Palace are open to offering Wharton an improved deal, despite his contract having three years remaining.

Other contract situations require urgent resolution. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, with two years left on his deal, is attracting interest from several Premier League sides. Central defender Jaydee Canvot is on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar, while Jean-Phillippe Mateta’s future remains unresolved following a failed move to AC Milan.

Reports suggest Maxence Lacroix is stalling on a new contract, whereas Ismaila Sarr is keen to discuss a renewal. The club signed Jorgen Strand Larsen for £48m in anticipation of Mateta’s exit, underscoring the need for clear decisions on the current squad’s long-term futures.