Crystal Palace hand 33-year-old star new contract but player who joined the club for £900,000 leaves

Nathaniel Clyne has signed a new contract at Crystal Palace until 2025, but defender Nathan Ferguson has been released, bringing an end to a very tough period in south London.

Ferguson joined Palace on a free transfer in July 2020 after rejecting a contract offer from West Brom. A tribunal in November 2021 ruled Palace would have to pay £900,000 to West Brom to sign him.

It was a ruling that left West Brom disappointed as a bid of £8m was accepted for him when he was under contract but a knee problem saw them Palace lower their bid to £4m.

A Palace statement read: “We can also confirm that Nathan Ferguson will depart the club upon the expiration of his contract this summer. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Nathan for his efforts, and wish him well in his future career.”

The Eagles have also confirmed that they have offered Remi Matthews a new deal at Selhurst Park. Academy duo Danny Imray and Chima Eze have been offered new deals.

Strong end of the season gives optimism

Palace finished 10th in the Premier League this season, winning six and drawing one of their last seven games of the season under new manager Oliver Glasner, who replaced Roy Hodgson in February.

The end of the season has given strong optimism that they could continue from where they ended this campaign, having finished ahead of Brighton and beating teams who were challenging for Europe.

Their chances of fighting for Europe next season will be enhanced if they can fight off interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea for forward Michael Olise.

Eberechi Eze also has interest from Spurs in what is expected to be an incredibly long but interesting for summer for the south London club.