‘Textor accepts defeat in Crystal Palace battle v Parish, eyes rival English club’
John Textor looks set to remain in English football even though his time with Crystal Palace could soon be coming to an end.
The Eagles of course enjoyed an incredible season during the 2024/25 campaign, as manager Oliver Glasner continues to do a remarkable job at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace memorably beat Man City in the FA Cup final to win their first ever major trophy, and put themselves in a position to play in the Europa League next season.
However, with co-owner Textor also holding a majority stake in French side Lyon, their place in the competition is at risk.
With UEFA’s rules banning individuals from holding control at two clubs in the same competition, Crystal Palace are at risk of being banned from the Europa League.
John Textor set to sell Crystal Palace shares
If Textor was to relinquish control of his shares at Selhurst Park, then it would put the club in a position to retain their place in Europe for next season.
It has been suggested that Textor will now sell his stake in Crystal Palace so the club remain in the Europa League, and that now looks near to happening.
According to a new update from The Guardian, he is close to agreeing a deal to sell his 44.9% stake in the club to fellow American Woody Johnson.
The New York Jets owner has apparently offered £190million for those shares, which Textor apparently wanted £240million for.
Despite that he looks set to agree a deal, having apparently accepted defeat to Steve Parish in the ownership saga.
Along with fellow co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, chairman Parish is said to have been pressuring Textor to sell his stake in Crystal Palace, to help the club remain in the Europa Leaue.
It is also noted that once that deal has been completed, Textor will look to invest in another English club, meaning he may come up against the Eagles shortly after leaving Selhurst Park – he previously expressed interest in buying Everton before The Friedkin Group took over.
Crystal Palace update a big relief
Football Insider Verdict
It was an incredible achievement for Glasner’s side to finally end their club’s trophy drought, esepcially in the circumstances in which they did so.
As a result, it would be a shame for Crystal Palace if they did not get fully rewarded for that by being excluded from the Europa League.
Of course, if they are able to play in Europa, that spectacle and the financial windfall it brings will also help them to sign even better players this summer.
Beyond that, Glasner has also attracted interest from elsewhere for his work with Crystal Palace, and it would be a major blow to lose him too.
Again though, a place in Europe could help convince him to stay, so this acceptance of defeat from Textor will be welcome at Selhurst Park for a number of reasons.
Given the way this saga has played out though, there may be questions about what other clubs in England might make of an attempt from the American to take control of a new stake elsewhere.