April 5 2018

Joel Ward

With 10 Crystal Palace players out of contract this summer, Hunter Young assesses whether each upcoming free agent should be offered a new deal.

Julian Speroni

A club legend if there ever was one, Speroni bleeds the red and blue. Since joining in 2004, he has played more than 400 games across all competitions in his time at Palace. This season when given a chance he showed he can still play and the goalkeeper should be retained as a back-up to the incoming Vicente Guaita. Verdict: Keep.

Wayne Hennessey

Hennessey’s days as the Palace number one are over with the signing of Guaita, a reality that likely should have occurred a few seasons ago. The stopper has been a good player for Palace but his struggles for consistency mean a departure is in the cards. Release.

Diego Cavalieri

Were it not for the injury to Speroni, then Cavalieri would never have been signed. There is a reason that he was playing in Brazil prior to signing for us, and while a third keeper is necessary next season, Palace should be looking for a younger option with more potential. Release.

Martin Kelly

A versatile and valuable depth piece, Kelly has played in almost every position across the defence since he signed from Liverpool. While he should never be a regular first teamer, Kelly has proven a decent bench option in case of injury and should be retained. Keep.

Damien Delaney

While a transition into the coaching ranks would be the ideal move, Delaney will likely want to continue playing. If he wishes to play he should be retained on an additional one-year deal. While the idea of him stepping onto the field in a Premier League match is terrifying, he is a respected member of the squad and leader in the dressing room. Keep.

Joel Ward

One of the few players remaining from the promotion team, along with Speroni, Delaney, and Zaha, Ward has played 153 times for Palace in the Premier League. Even if Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the future at right-back, competition and depth are both necessary at the position. Ward is a solid player and the cost to replace him isn’t worth letting him go. Keep.

Yohan Cabaye

At the time of his signing in 2015, Cabaye was without a doubt the best player ever to sign for Palace; however, age as begun to take its toll on the Frenchman. At the age of 32, Yohan can no longer play 90 minutes at the Premier League level on a weekly basis. Cabaye shouldn’t be seen as a starter going forward and younger cheaper options should found. Release.

James McArthur

While McArthur has never been the most talented or skilled player on the field, his motor is rarely matched. No matter where on the field he is positioned, the man never stops running. The midfielder may use this opportunity to return to his home land of Scotland but Palace would do well to keep him in the red and blue. Keep.

Lee Chung-yong

Lee has never really been able to get it together during his time at Palace mixing in good plays with terrible ones. This is likely due to the fact that the midfield man is simply a Championship-level player. Lee is not the first, nor will he be the last Championship player to impress a Premier League side enough for a move only to struggle. A parting of ways is best for both sides. Release.

Bakary Sako

Sako was unlucky to get hurt this season while experiencing his best run of form in a Palace shirt. Despite his good play his season he should probably be shown the door. Sako has always struggled with injuries and as he nears thirty this is unlikely to change. Release.