Football news continues to unfold rapidly as the Premier League season draws near. This week brought a mix of elation and disappointment for Crystal Palace, while the transfer market remains active with top teams, including Manchester City, making moves.
Highs and Lows for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace experienced a whirlwind 24 hours, celebrating a Community Shield victory on Sunday only to face disappointment with a lost appeal regarding their UEFA Europa League qualification the following day. Just under three months after securing their first-ever major trophy, Palace returned to Wembley Stadium to face Premier League champions Liverpool. They added another piece of silverware to their collection in a thrilling contest.
Liverpool took an early lead through new signing Hugo Ekitike in the fourth minute, but Palace quickly equalized via a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty 13 minutes later. Jeremie Frimpong restored Liverpool`s lead in the 21st minute, but Ismaïla Sarr notched Palace`s second equalizer in the 77th minute. The match culminated in a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Dean Henderson`s crucial save secured a 3-2 victory for the Eagles, marking a high start to their season.
This match further demonstrated Palace`s upward trajectory under manager Oliver Glasner. They showcased their ability to challenge a revitalized Liverpool, which boasts formidable attacking talent. Palace outshot Liverpool 14 to 12 and outperformed them on expected goals (2.07 to 1.1). Notably, they exposed Liverpool`s defensive frailties, as observed by James Benge from Wembley, highlighting how Palace effectively exploited space behind Liverpool`s front-footed defenders.
However, the Community Shield triumph proved to be a brief diversion from a critical appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning UEFA`s multi-club ownership rules. Palace fans had protested UEFA`s stance before Sunday`s match with banners and flares, displaying a “UEFA Mafia” sign.
As many anticipated, Monday`s CAS decision did not favor Crystal Palace. The court ruled that Palace violated UEFA`s rules at two key deadlines: the initial March 1 deadline and an extended May 31 deadline (which would have been more feasible after their FA Cup win and Europa League qualification). American businessman John Textor held a 43% stake in Palace at both deadlines, while also holding a stake in Lyon, which also qualified for the Europa League. The CAS concluded that Textor`s subsequent sale to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson came too late.
As a result, Palace is now set to compete in the Conference League`s league phase for their first-ever European season, facing the loser of the Europa League qualifier between Norway`s Fredrikstad and Denmark`s Midtjylland. Nottingham Forest, having finished seventh in the Premier League, will be bumped up to the Europa League and automatically qualify for its league phase instead.
Manchester City, Rodrygo, and a Domino Effect
Although Manchester City completed much of their transfer business early this summer, manager Pep Guardiola`s side may still have a busy week ahead with potential high-profile departures and a significant new arrival. The 2023 UEFA Champions League winners are reportedly considering a move for Rodrygo, Real Madrid`s attacker, who is rumored to be surplus to requirements under Xabi Alonso`s management.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid`s asking price for the Brazilian star is around $116 million. Guardiola might see a place for Rodrygo in his squad, especially with City planning to offload several players before the September 1 transfer deadline. Reports suggest Savinho, the winger who joined City from Troyes last season, may be headed to Tottenham Hotspur in search of more consistent playing time ahead of the World Cup.
While Rodrygo and Savinho might be a direct swap, Savinho might not be the only notable departure from the Etihad Stadium. Nottingham Forest is reportedly renewing its pursuit of 22-year-old midfielder James McAtee. Additionally, Jack Grealish is poised to join Everton on a season-long loan. Grealish`s role at City has diminished recently, and he was excluded from their Club World Cup squad. James Benge suggests a move to Merseyside could be precisely what Grealish needs to rediscover his form as he approaches 30.
Benge notes that Everton might be taking a risk paying high wages for a player who, approaching 30, has shown decreased explosiveness and limited goal contributions (averaging six Premier League goal contributions per season with City). However, he adds that given Everton`s shrewd recruitment elsewhere, perhaps the manager can be afforded this “little indulgence.”
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