Palace Gold on Wharton > Mateta & Strand Larsen

Key Points

• Crystal Palace have excelled under manager Oliver Glasner’s leadership, described as “riding the crest of a wave,” but now face an 11-match winless run requiring correction.
• The January transfer window was turbulent for the Eagles, marked by significant changes in management and squad.
• Oliver Glasner announced he will leave his managerial role at Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
• Captain and star defender Marc Guehi was sold to Manchester City during this period.
• New attacking reinforcements arrived: Brennan Johnson, Evann Guessand, and Jorgen Strand Larsen joined the squad.
• Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer saga with AC Milan collapsed after he failed a medical due to an ongoing knee problem.
• A £30m deal had been agreed between Crystal Palace and AC Milan for Mateta.
• Mateta requires surgery for his knee injury, but the France international (referred to as Les Bleus star) wants to delay it until after the World Cup.
• The article from Football FanCast highlights a Crystal Palace “Eagles star” – implied as Adam Wharton – who is now valued more highly than Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen, suggesting the club “struck gold” with this player.

Crystal Palace (Football FanCast) February 8, 2026 – Crystal Palace are grappling with a turbulent period after an impressive run under Oliver Glasner, as an 11-match winless streak looms large following a chaotic January transfer window. The Eagles saw their captain Marc Guehi depart for Manchester City, manager Glasner confirm his exit at season’s end, and new signings Brennan Johnson, Evann Guessand, and Jorgen Strand Larsen arrive amid the Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer collapse. Yet, amidst this upheaval, one Palace star – reportedly Adam Wharton – has emerged as a beacon, now valued higher than both Mateta and Strand Larsen, underscoring a masterstroke signing for the club.​

What Triggered Crystal Palace’s Recent Winless Run?

Crystal Palace had been performing strongly under Oliver Glasner’s stewardship, with the team metaphorically “riding the crest of a wave,” as noted in coverage by Football FanCast.

However, this positive momentum has stalled dramatically, with the club now enduring an 11-match winless run that demands urgent rectification. Glasner’s impact had been transformative since his arrival, stabilising a side known for inconsistency, but recent results have exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in attack and defence.

As reported by the Football FanCast team, including contributor insights on the club’s form, the winless streak coincides with off-field distractions from the transfer window. The pressure is mounting on the remaining squad to “put things to rights,” with fans and pundits alike calling for a return to the earlier resilience that defined Glasner’s tenure.​

Why Was January a Turbulent Transfer Window for the Eagles?

The January transfer window proved exceptionally disruptive for Crystal Palace, blending high-profile exits with incomings that failed to immediately gel. Captain and star defender Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City represented a significant blow, stripping the team of leadership and defensive solidity at a critical juncture. This move, as detailed in Football FanCast’s analysis, left a void that new arrivals have yet to fully fill.

Simultaneously, manager Oliver Glasner announced his departure from the managerial role at the end of the season, adding to the uncertainty. Glasner, who had steered Palace through a promising phase, cited personal and professional reasons for his exit, though specifics remain under wraps.

To bolster the attack, the club welcomed Brennan Johnson, Evann Guessand, and Jorgen Strand Larsen, aiming to inject pace, power, and goal threat. However, the Jean-Philippe Mateta saga overshadowed these developments, ending in acrimony rather than profit.​

What Happened in the Jean-Philippe Mateta Transfer Saga?

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential move to AC Milan dominated headlines during the window, only to unravel spectacularly. As revealed by Oliver Glasner, Mateta failed his medical with the Italian club due to an ongoing knee problem. A £30m deal had been agreed between Crystal Palace and AC Milan, positioning it as one of the window’s big moves.

Glasner has disclosed that

“Mateta failed his AC Milan medical due to an ongoing knee problem,”

emphasising the striker’s need for surgery. Despite this, Mateta, the Les Bleus star with international pedigree for France, insists on holding off surgery until after the World Cup. This decision has left his future at Selhurst Park in limbo, with Palace now reassessing their striker options amid the winless run.​

Who Are Crystal Palace’s Key New Signings?

To offset the turbulence, Crystal Palace invested in attacking talent. Brennan Johnson, known for his pace and directness from previous clubs, arrived to provide width and dynamism on the flanks. Evann Guessand, a promising forward, was signed to add depth and competition up top, while Jorgen Strand Larsen brought proven goal-scoring nous from his prior exploits.

These additions were intended to fortify an attack that had shown promise under Glasner but faltered lately. Football FanCast highlights how Johnson, Guessand, and Strand Larsen were “welcomed to strengthen the attack,” yet integration challenges persist amid the 11-match drought. Strand Larsen’s valuation, in particular, draws comparisons to the club’s rising star, underscoring Palace’s eye for talent.​

What Is the Latest on Mateta’s Crystal Palace Future?

The fallout from Mateta’s failed medical continues to ripple through the club. Glasner has been candid, stating that surgery is required for the knee issue, but Mateta’s preference to postpone until post-World Cup complicates matters. This stance, as per Glasner’s revelation, has stalled any immediate resolution, leaving Palace with a high-earning forward whose fitness is in question.

Football FanCast’s coverage, under the banner

“The latest on Mateta’s Crystal Palace future,”

notes the France international’s determination to prioritise national team duties. With the World Cup on the horizon, Mateta risks further sidelining himself, potentially impacting Palace’s European aspirations or relegation battle, depending on their trajectory.​

Who Is the Eagles Star Worth More Than Mateta and Strand Larsen?

Amid the chaos, Crystal Palace “hit gold” with one standout performer: Adam Wharton, the Eagles star now valued more highly than both Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen. Football FanCast’s headline-grabbing piece posits that Palace “struck gold on Wharton,” whose market value has surged due to consistent excellence in midfield.

Wharton’s rise represents a coup for the club’s recruitment, outpacing the valuations of the new signing Strand Larsen and the beleaguered Mateta. This valuation disparity highlights Wharton’s pivotal role in Glasner’s system, providing control and creativity where others falter. As the article asserts, Wharton’s worth underscores Palace’s scouting prowess, even as they navigate their winless streak.​

How Has Oliver Glasner Shaped Crystal Palace’s Trajectory?

Oliver Glasner’s tenure at Crystal Palace has been a mix of highs and looming farewells. Initially, his stewardship propelled the team to wave-riding form, with tactical acumen evident in their structured play. However, the 11-match winless run and his end-of-season exit announcement have tempered enthusiasm.

Glasner’s revelations on Mateta and squad changes demonstrate transparency, a hallmark of his approach. Football FanCast credits him with fostering an environment where talents like Wharton thrive, even as new faces like Johnson and Guessand bed in. His departure raises questions about continuity, but his legacy includes smart recruitment.​

What Does Marc Guehi’s Departure Mean for the Defence?

Losing captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City was a seismic shift. As star defender, Guehi anchored the backline, his leadership vital during Glasner’s early success. The sale, executed in January, fetched a substantial fee but exacerbated defensive frailties evident in the winless run.

Football FanCast notes this as part of the “turbulent” window, with Guehi’s exit compounding issues post-Glasner announcement. Palace must now rebuild leadership, potentially leaning on Wharton’s maturity in midfield to stabilise the team.​

Why Does Wharton Represent Striking Gold for Palace?

Adam Wharton’s ascent is the silver lining in Palace’s storm. Valued above Mateta – despite the striker’s £30m tag – and Strand Larsen, Wharton embodies the “struck gold” narrative from Football FanCast. His performances have elevated his market worth, drawing interest from bigger clubs.

This valuation edge stems from Wharton’s reliability, vision, and goal contributions, making him indispensable. In a window of losses and near-misses, Wharton’s trajectory validates Palace’s faith in youth development.​

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Crystal Palace?

The 11-match winless run demands introspection, with Glasner’s exit and transfer upheavals at the forefront. Integrating Johnson, Guessand, and Strand Larsen while managing Mateta’s limbo will test the squad. Wharton’s value offers hope, but restoring winning form is paramount.

As Football FanCast encapsulates, Palace must channel their “crest of a wave” spirit to navigate this nadir. With the season ongoing, every match is pivotal.​