Oliver Glasner confirms he will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season

Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season while defender Marc Guehi is closing in on a January switch to Manchester City.

Glasner’s contract is due to expire in June and he says he informed Palace chairman Steve Parish of his desire to “have a new challenge” as far back as October.

He said: “I had a meeting with Steve in the October international break, we had dinner and a very long talk and I told him I wouldn’t sign a new contract with Crystal Palace. We agreed to keep it between us at the time. I told the team today.

“I think it’s now important to have clarity, I don’t want to have these questions over what is going on. We have had a busy schedule which is why we didn’t want to announce it. Steve and I want the same for Crystal Palace. 

“Steve has no ego, Oliver Glasner has no ego. We think it’s important to have clarity on both sides. This is what the players and fans deserve.”

It is a major blow for the Eagles after winning the first major trophy in the club’s history under the Austrian last year when they beat City in the FA Cup final.

Since then, matchwinner Eberechi Eze has left the club for Arsenal – a departure that reportedly frustrated Glasner – and he will be followed out of the exit door by fellow England international Guehi, who is on the verge of completing a move to the Etihad.

Palace defender Guehi City bound

Guehi, who almost joined Liverpool last September, is out of contract in June and is expected to complete his switch in the next 24 hours after City beat off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old will not be a part of the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Sunderland with Palace heading to the North-East in 13th place in the table.

Glasner said: “Every player depending on his contract situation, there is a price where the club says ‘we want to do it’ and when they player says ‘I want to move on’, a deal will happen and that has happened now.

“Everyone wanted Marc to stay forever, but the reality is different. Marc showed it in the summer transfer window, showed it the whole autumn that he was 100% committed to the team and to Crystal Palace. 

“I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of his great career. He is a fantastic guy.”

Palace boss linked with Manchester United

Austrian Glasner has been linked with Manchester United while he will also be targeted by clubs in Germany given his previous record with Eintracht Frankfurt.

He insists, though, he has not spoken to any other club at this stage.

“It is nothing to do with transfer window,” he said. “All these rumours, I hate when something is written or talked that is not true – it was very tough for me not to respond. 

“I have not talked to any other club. I have no interest. I told the players I would give my best every season in Crystal Palace history.”