Crystal Palace must now extend World Cup star's contract after Daichi Kamada confirmation

Crystal Palace must now prioritise agreeing a contract extension with Chris Richards after confirmation of Daichi Kamada's new deal.

Kamada had been expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer at the end of his initial two-year deal.

Reports about a potential extension for the Japan midfielder arose after the end of a successful Eagles campaign, however, and he has now penned a new one-year contract.

It will be all change at Palace this summer as Pierre Sage takes over from former boss Oliver Glasner, and the board have a lot to do to get the club ready for Europa League football.

USA international Richards has been a key part of the club's improved fortunes over the last few seasons, and they must now agree a new deal with him this summer.

The centre-back is now into the final year of his current contract at Selhurst Park and deserves a new deal to better reflect his standing in their squad.

Crystal Palace must now agree new contract with Chris Richards after Daichi Kamada

Richards has made 122 appearances for Palace since arriving from Bayern Munich for around £8.5million in 2022.

He struggled with injuries and form in his first two seasons at the club, but became a regular at the back next to Marc Guehi under Oliver Glasner in 2024-25.

Richards helped the Eagles win a maiden major trophy that season as they lifted the FA Cup, and he produced a stellar showing in the final against Man City.

He featured 50 times in all competitions last season, but a minor injury saw him watch from the bench as Palace won the Conference League in Glasner's last game.

The 26-year-old started four games for the USA in their home World Cup before they were knocked out by Belgium, as his stock continues to rise.

He is still on the initial five-year deal he signed back in 2022, so clearly needs to be handed a new contract immediately before another club inevitably makes an offer in this summer window.

What has Richards said about working under Sage?

Sources have exclusively told Football Insider that Palace want to accelerate talks over a new deal with Richards, and he is clearly keen to commit his future to the club.

Prior to new boss Sage arriving at Selhurst Park, he seemed enthused about the appointment after being questioned by American reporters.

Richards said: "It’s good we have stayed ambitious, getting another good manager who’s recently won a few things. Seeing Glasner go is tough, but he brought so much to the club in my career. I wish him the best.”

He clearly seems excited about playing under the Frenchman, which should give Palace chiefs even more optimism about agreeing a new deal.