Published Sep 12, 2026, 7:40 AM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

11 players arrived as Palace backed head coach Pierre Sage, and four deals were completed on deadline day, leaving him with a deeper squad but little time to blend it.

The window was not built around one headline signing.

Dwight McNeil arrived as Brennan Johnson moved to Everton, while Anan Khalaili, Quinten Timber and Zavier Gozo added youth and excitement to the side.

Darío Osorio and Evann Guessand joined on loan, with Ben Chilwell also returning permanently.

Palace used the free agent market to bring in Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oscar Mingueza too, while Axel Disasi and Honest Ahanor then strengthened Sage's defensive options.

However, major figures left.

Maxence Lacroix was sold to Chelsea for £52 million, Daniel Muñoz followed Oliver Glasner to Nottingham Forest and Johnson departed only seven months after becoming Palace’s record signing.

That level of change helps explain their uneven start.

Sage’s side opened with a 2-0 defeat at Everton before losing 4-1 to Man City at Selhurst Park. Eight goals were conceded across their first three league matches, placing immediate pressure on a new-look defence.

The response has been positive, though.

Tyrick Mitchell scored twice before summer arrival Chilwell struck the winner in a 3-2 victory at Fulham. Palace then beat Middlesbrough 3-0 in the Carabao Cup, with Mingueza and Chilwell supplying crosses for Jorgen Strand Larsen’s two headers.

Those results have provided encouragement, but another young centre back could still be added in January, and he's a very familiar face.

Crystal Palace and Fulham could bid for Raphael Le Guen in January

According to Le10Sport, Palace remain interested in Brest defender Raphaël Le Guen after making several unsuccessful attempts to sign him this summer.

The report states that their final proposal was close to £17 million, but Brest rejected it and decided to keep one of their most promising academy products.

Le Guen reportedly held a conversation with Sage about the move too, giving him a direct introduction to the manager’s plans, and the Eagles could now return when the winter window opens, although they will not have a clear run.

Fulham are also showing interest, while Brest are trying to reward Le Guen with improved terms.

His contract already runs until June 2029, so the French club are under no pressure to accept a reduced offer.

The 20-year-old stands at a towering 6 ft 6 in and while primarily as a centre back, he can also operate in defensive midfield. Le Guen joined Brest’s academy at 13 after beginning his development as a striker.

He has since grown into a senior defender and started the new Ligue 1 campaign in the team.

Le Guen would be a signing for Palace’s future rather than an instant cure for every defensive problem. Yet with Disasi and Ahanor only on loan, there is a clear long-term space to fill.