90min

Stay or Go? Deciding Which Players Crystal Palace Should Keep & Offload This Summer

By Callum Altimas

After a disappointing end to a promising season, Palace have got a lot of work to do
After a disappointing end to a promising season, Palace have got a lot of work to do / Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
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Despite what looked to be a promising season for Crystal Palace, it all went wrong very quickly for the Eagles.

With the club on the verge of their highest ever Premier League finish with just eight games to go, seven defeats in their last eight games saw the club finish a disappointing 14th.

The poor conclusion to the season has shown there's still a lot of work to be done if Roy Hodgson hopes to help the club make the next step - if he's still at Palace next season, that is.

There are a number of changes the Eagles need to make to their first-team if they're to stand any chance of progression next season, so here's a look at every first-team player at Selhurst Park and whether they should stay or go this summer.

Goalkeepers

Guaita has had a strong season in-between the sticks for Palace this year
Guaita has had a strong season in-between the sticks for Palace this year / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Vicente Guaita (STAY) - After another solid season in goal for the Eagles, Guaita has firmly cemented himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. The club will have their work cut out holding on to him though, with Real Betis eyeing a potential move for the Spaniard.

Wayne Hennessey (GO) - After a run of mistakes cost him his place in the starting lineup last season, Hennessey has been limited to just five appearances all year. At the age of 33, it's probably about time to let him go.

Stephen Henderson (STAY) - While he hasn't made a single appearance for Palace since his arrival last summer, Henderson seems content in his role as the third-choice keeper at the club, so there's no reason to disrupt that.

Centre Backs

Cahill surprised everyone when he arrived at Selhurst Park and proved he still had a lot to offer
Cahill surprised everyone when he arrived at Selhurst Park and proved he still had a lot to offer / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Mamadou Sakho (STAY) - Sakho performed considerably well during his limited time in the first-team this season. Although he struggled with injuries throughout the year, the Frenchman has earned the right to solidify his role in the first-team.

Scott Dann (GO) - Dann has had an admirable career at Palace, but the end is nigh for the 33-year-old. No longer able to keep up with the fast paced action of the Premier League, Dann risks quickly becoming a liability for Palace and should be moved on.

Gary Cahill (STAY) - Cahill surprised everyone with his strong performances for Palace this season. There won't be many seasons left in him, but he deserves another crack next year.

James Tomkins (STAY) - Tomkins seemingly lost his place in the first-team this season and wasn't included in any of Palace's final 12 league games, despite being injury free. That being said, the 31-year-old still has plenty to offer the side and should be kept around for next season.

Full Backs

Ward stepped up when he took Aaron Wan-Bissaka's place in the starting lineup following the youngster's move to Manchester United
Ward stepped up when he took Aaron Wan-Bissaka's place in the starting lineup following the youngster's move to Manchester United / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Joel Ward (STAY) - Ward stepped up in a big way following Aaron Wan-Bissaka's move to Manchester United last summer and deserves to keep his place at Palace next year.

Martin Kelly (STAY) - Coming off a fairly consistent season, Kelly has done enough to ensure another season as a Palace player.

Patrick van Aanholt (STAY) - One of Hodgson's better players this season, Van Aanholt has been incredibly consistent from start to finish and should be kept around.

Jairo Riedewald (STAY) - Having spent the majority of his minutes at left back this season, Riedewald has been classified as a full back, but the 23-year-old's ability to also play as a defensive midfielder or even further up the park as a left midfielder makes him a valuable asset to Palace and one they should hold on to.

Central Midfielders

Meyer's time at Palace has been an undeniable disappointment and the club would be wise to move the midfielder on
Meyer's time at Palace has been an undeniable disappointment and the club would be wise to move the midfielder on / Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Max Meyer (GO) - On £125,000-a-week contract yet making just six starts in all competitions this season, it's time to get rid.

Cheikhou Kouyate (STAY) - Signed from West Ham for £9.5m in 2018, Kouyate has proved to be a bargain. Featuring in all but three league games this season, Hodgson would be wise to keep hold of the Senegalese midfielder.

James McArthur (STAY) - The Scot played in every Premier League game for Palace and has done more than enough to retain his place at the club.

James McCarthy (STAY) - Whether it's in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, McCarthy always does an admirable job and deserves his place at Selhurst Park.

Luka Milivojevic (STAY) - Club captain Milivojevic has been one of Palace's standout players in recent years and continues to put in top notch performances. He'll likely remain a key fixture in the side's midfield for a couple more years.

Wingers

With Zaha expressing his interest in leaving Selhurst Park, Palace should cash in
With Zaha expressing his interest in leaving Selhurst Park, Palace should cash in / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Andros Townsend (STAY) - Although his form considerably dropped off this year as opposed to his previous seasons at Selhurst Park, Townsend is still a top quality player and will likely remain in the Palace first-team going forwards.

Jeffrey Schlupp (STAY) - Schlupp's season has been hindered by injury, but when fully fit he's integral to the Eagles' success. The Ghana international's versatility and ability to play a large number of positions across the pitch make him a valuable asset to Palace and one they'll be sure to keep around.

Wilfried Zaha (GO) - Although one of the club's best players, Zaha has made no secret of his desire to leave Selhurst Park. Couple that with a season in which he was a huge disappointment and it's time for Hodgson to cash in.

Forwards

Ayew's goals have been a major help to Palace's season
Ayew's goals have been a major help to Palace's season / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Jordan Ayew (STAY) - In a side sorely lacking goals, Ayew's prolific form has been vital to Palace's success this year. A bargain buy at just £2.5m, there's no way he'll be let go this summer.

Christian Benteke (STAY) - Benteke's struggle for goals in recent seasons has seriously hindered any sort of progress Palace have made. Hodgson seems fond though and with Benteke's contract set to run out next summer, expect him to stick around for at least another year.

Connor Wickham (GO) - It's amazing Wickham is still actually at Selhurst Park. With a combined total of 20 league appearances and three league goals in his last four seasons at Palace, it's time to move on.