Crystal Palace determined to keep midfield duo after historic Conference League win

Crystal Palace are making the retention of two key midfielders a priority this summer, according to reports, as the club seeks to build on their remarkable Europa Conference League triumph. The Eagles are keen to avoid a repeat of previous transfer windows where important players departed, undermining squad stability.

Conference League glory fuels retention push

Palace's unexpected run to Conference League glory has transformed the club's standing. The victory secured not only silverware but also automatic qualification for next season's Europa League, raising the club's profile and financial resources. However, it has also increased interest from rival clubs in Palace's standout performers.

The midfield duo at the heart of the success are understood to be central to manager Oliver Glasner's plans. Both players formed a formidable partnership in the engine room, contributing to Palace's improved defensive record — they conceded just two goals in the knockout phase en route to the final.

Keeping the pair together is seen as essential for Palace to compete on multiple fronts next season, including a Premier League campaign and European football. The club's hierarchy is reportedly prepared to offer improved terms to fend off suitors.

Tactical context and season statistics

Under Glasner, Palace have shifted to a more compact 3-4-2-1 formation that relies heavily on the midfield duo's ability to screen the back three and distribute quickly to the front players. Their combined passing accuracy of 86% in the league this season ranks among the best for midfield pairings outside the top six.

Palace's form in the latter half of the season was impressive: they won seven of their final ten Premier League matches, climbing to eighth place. The midfield pair started every game in that run, underlining their importance.

  • Defensive solidity: The duo contributed to nine clean sheets across all competitions, four of which came in the Conference League.
  • Chance creation: Combined they created 27 big chances, with the more advanced midfielder registering six assists.
  • Duels won: Both rank in the top five in the squad for aerial and ground duels won per 90 minutes.

Transfer market context and FPL implications

Retaining the pair would likely cost Palace a combined £15-20m in enhanced wages and signing-on fees over new contracts, a fraction of the cost of replacing them in a market where inflation has pushed similar-profile midfielders above £40m each. Comparatively, Brighton's retention of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo for a season after European qualification proved financially prudent before their eventual sales.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, a settled Palace midfield offers value: both players are priced under £6.0m next season, and with Europa League fixtures likely adding extra gameweeks, they could become differential picks. Palace's favourable early-season fixtures — including home games against promoted sides — make the duo attractive budget enablers.

What next for Palace and the midfield pair?

Contract negotiations are expected to commence imminently, with Palace likely to open talks immediately after the season ends. The club's improved financial position from European revenue and prize money gives them leverage, but they face competition from clubs who can offer Champions League football.

Sources indicate both players are open to staying, valuing their development under Glasner and the prospect of Europa League football. However, if one were to depart, Palace would need to reinvest quickly — they have shortlisted three potential replacements across Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, though no formal bids have been made.

The next fortnight will be critical. If Palace can secure agreements before pre-season, they will be well-positioned to mount a top-seven challenge and advance beyond the Europa League group stage. Failure to keep the duo would risk undoing the progress made this campaign, potentially leaving the club in a rebuilding phase mid-summer.

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