September 2 2026

Justin Devenny and Romain Esse

Crystal Palace youngsters Justin Devenny and Romain Esse have left the club, with Devenny completing a permanent move to Stoke City and Esse returning to Millwall on loan for the remainder of the season.

Devenny leaves Palace after three years in South London, having joined from Scottish side Airdrieonians in August 2023. The 22-year-old progressed from the Under-21s into the first team and went on to make 60 appearances for the Eagles, scoring four goals.

The Northern Ireland international made his full Premier League debut against Fulham in November 2024 before scoring his first top-flight goal away at Aston Villa later that month. Devenny also featured during Palace's historic FA Cup-winning campaign, scoring against Doncaster Rovers in the fourth round, and later converted the decisive penalty as the Eagles beat Liverpool to win the 2025 Community Shield.

He also played his part in Palace's UEFA Conference League success, making six appearances and scoring once during the trophy-winning campaign.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "We are all hugely proud of Justin's development at Crystal Palace, particularly his role during the most successful period in the club's history.

"He is a fine young gentleman, and he leaves with the best wishes of everybody here for the future."

Meanwhile, Esse has returned to former club Millwall on loan until the end of the season. The 21-year-old initially left the Lions to join Palace in January 2025 and has since made 17 appearances in all competitions.

Esse made an immediate impact by scoring on his Palace debut against Brentford at Selhurst Park and also made two appearances during the Eagles' successful 2024/25 FA Cup campaign.

The winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Coventry City, scoring twice in 18 appearances as they went on to win the Championship, and will now continue his development back at The Den with the club where he began his career.