Oliver Glasner to leave Crystal Palace: Austrian manager will not renew contract when it expires at end of season

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has revealed he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, citing his desire for a "new challenge" after nearly two years at Selhurst Park.

The Austrian put an end to months of speculation over his future ahead of Saturday's game at Sunderland by explaining he had told Palace owner Steve Parish as far back as October that he would not be renewing his existing deal.

Glasner has long been linked with moves away from Selhurst Park after a number of public frustrations over transfer business during last summer's window, and what he suggested was a failure to build on last season's historic FA Cup victory and only a second ever season in Europe.

The manager, who had already revealed captain Guehi is on the verge of being sold, said he kept the news secret because of the club's busy schedule during the final months of 2025, and had only told his players earlier on Friday ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light.

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He said: "A decision has already been taken, months ago. I had a meeting with Steve [Parish] in October, the international break.

"We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract.

"We agreed at the time it was best to keep it between us. It's best that we could do that and keep it confidential for three months. I told the team today, because I think now it's important to have clarity.

"We had a very busy schedule so that's why we didn't want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace."

Glasner would not be drawn on the exact reasoning behind his departure but said it had not been influenced by their January business, and that he has not spoken to any other club about his next position.

He said: "I told Steve I'm just looking for a new challenge. I told him in October, it's nothing to do with the transfer window. I hate if something is written or said that is not true, and it was very tough for me not to respond. We have a great relationship, and we're always talking about what is best for Crystal Palace.

"I haven't spoken to any other club, I told the players that and promised them today I will give my best to give the best season in Crystal Palace history. We are now four points better off than we were at this stage of the season and we will do everything to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park.

"We had the Conference League draw today, we will play Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia in the play-off draw and I had a look at the draw tree, it'll be quite interesting who we could play in our section.

"I will do everything to help bring a trophy back to Selhurst Park."

Glasner: I wanted to announce departure before transfer window

Glasner said his personal preference had been to announce his departure before the start of the winter transfer window to avoid speculation that the club's January business had influenced his decision - but had been talked out of the idea.

He suggested instead the clarity over his future could act as a catalyst for the club's faltering system. They have failed to win any of their last nine games in all competitions.

"I spoke with Steve, I wanted to maybe announce it before the transfer window because of these rumours about my decision being influenced, but we decided it wasn't the best moment and the signing of Brennan Johnson was a great signing for the club early in the window," he said.

"Then, with this tight schedule I didn't want to do it after winning five games in a row because maybe you'll lose one and I know what is responsible for this!

"I felt this was a good moment to maybe help get the turnaround to start winning. That's the best thing we can do for Crystal Palace."

An astonishing press conference as a historic era comes to an end

Analysis by Sky Sports' James Savundra

An astonishing press conference. It's not often you're in the room to witness a manager confirm that his captain is about to leave AND then that he'll be going too!

It speaks volumes about Oliver Glasner that he's willing to provide that level of clarity. Crystal Palace fans will probably wish he hadn't.

Two of the most significant figures in the club's recent history are soon to depart South London. When it comes to Marc Guehi, there was always a suspicion that, whilst the transfer window remained open, he could leave this month. Glasner could never provide any assurances.

Steve Parish had admitted openly that it was a problem for a club like Crystal Palace to allow its key assets to walk out the door for nothing. What Palace can do with the £20m they get for Guehi, we wait to see.

As for Glasner's future, his level of success at Palace meant that he was always set to be linked with some of the biggest managerial vacancies in European football. It always felt more likely that he would leave than stay on. However, the timing of this announcement still comes as a shock. After winning a Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and an FA Cup with Crystal Palace, perhaps it's now time to step up and see what he can deliver with one of the world's biggest clubs. For now, his focus remains on lifting one more piece of silverware with the Eagles.

Palace fans' worst fears realised?

Analysis by Sky Sports' Nick Wright:

Crystal Palace fans are facing up to a nightmare scenario. Minutes after announcing Marc Guehi's departure in his Friday press conference, Oliver Glasner confirmed his own exit at the end of his contract in June. Captain and manager, gone and going.

The loss of Guehi is the immediate concern. Palace are on a nine-game winless run ahead of their trip to Sunderland on Saturday. Now they must go to the Stadium of Light, where Regis Le Bris' side are unbeaten this season, without their leader and best player.

A tough task has become considerably tougher as Palace try to stave off the feeling of crisis following Saturday's FA Cup loss to non-league Macclesfield. And that is before even considering everything else they have to come this season.

It all looks more difficult without Guehi and now Palace fans know for sure that they will soon be without the most successful manager in their history too. Glasner's place in Palace's history is assured having steered them to FA Cup and Community Shield glory. But can he get them back on track this season?

Only six weeks ago, they moved into the Premier League's top four with their late winner against Fulham. Now, they are 13th, looking down rather than up, and staring at a future without their captain and, soon, their manager too.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Oliver Glasner to leave Crystal Palace: Austrian manager will not renew contract when it expires at end of season