Crystal Palace plan to accelerate Dean Henderson talks after ‘huge’ twist
Crystal Palace are planning to hold talks with Dean Henderson over the offer of a new contract between now and the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old’s current deal is set to run until 2028, but Palace are keen to extend his stay given his crucial role in their current side and plans for the future.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that contract talks have become a priority after Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta‘s situations.
Henderson was made club captain at Selhurst Park following Guehi’s departure and shares a close bond with the fans which has added to the praise for his displays.
This, combined with his role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win and Premier League success means the Eagles are determined to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
Crystal Palace plan to agree Dean Henderson contract
Brown told Football Insider last month that Palace want to extend Henderson’s contract and hope to make progress towards an agreement soon.
The turbulent January window, during with Oliver Glasner also announced his imminent departure, has only increased their desire to tie down key players.
“Crystal Palace are determined to keep hold of Dean Henderson,” Brown told Football Insider.
“After everything that happened with Marc Guehi, and more-so what happened with Mateta, Palace are focused on retaining the services of their key players.
“Henderson is a crucial part of the spine of their team, he’s done extraordinarily well since joining Palace and he’s made himself into a real top-class goalkeeper.
“He’s got a great relationship with the club and with the fans as well, you saw that against Brighton, and that’s always a huge boost as well.
“They want to reward him for everything he’s done and show his importance to the team, particularly now they’ve made him captain.
“A new contract is the best way to do that and it would see him commit his future to Palace as well which they are understandably keen for him to do.
“I think that’s something they’ll be working on between now and the end of the season and it would be a real statement from them after everything that’s happened.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta update emerges after Henderson dig
The situation surrounding Mateta’s future dominated headlines during the January transfer window after he failed to secure a move away from Palace.
Mateta was widely expected to leave Palace after informing the club of his desire to move on, but is now stuck at Selhurst Park after failing to agree a deal before the deadline.
However, doubt has been cast over his role in Glasner’s squad, and the striker has a lot of making up to do if he wishes to return to the side.
Brown told Football Insider on 5 February that Crystal Palace stars are unhappy with Mateta after he refused to play in their draw against Nottingham Forest.
Henderson appeared to hint at the issue after the game: “It’s important we have the lads in the dressing room that keep showing up for the badge.” [South London]
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