Crystal Palace are in a spot of bother in the Premier League, having sold Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January and now lost Maxence Lacroix for the upcoming clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Lacroix was adjudged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity for Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford, but there’s no denying that the Eagles have problems across the park, with bluntness in attack equally as concerning right now.
Oliver Glasner‘s side are a far cry from their giddy level of 2025, but they have the potential to make it a title-winning finish to the Austrian coach’s tenure.
However, for the club’s longer-term success, they will need to find a new talisman, especially with Jean-Philippe Mateta leaving the club.
Why Palace still need a Mateta replacement
Mateta’s move to AC Milan was scuppered by a failed medical. The French forward has since been sidelined through injury.
The 28-year-old has been one of the standout Premier League strikers of recent years, but he’s already been replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen and will surely leave this summer, having made his wish for a fresh challenge perfectly clear.
Strand Larsen, 25, is a powerful frontman, but Palace need more up top, someone dynamic and inspiring.
Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze’s departures in recent years have ripped holes in the club’s attacking fabric, but none more so than Wilfried Zaha, who rose from the academy and secured his status as their greatest player.
Having lost so many key figures, it would be great if chairman Steve Parish could ensure that that trick is repeated.
Easier said than done, but Glasner might find a talented teenage forward who can allow Mateta to leave, and he might even prove to be the Londoners’ new version of Zaha.
Glasner could find Palace’s new Zaha
Crystal Palace have long ensured their youth-senior connection is strong. Given the changes that are going on right now, the next starboy would be well received indeed.
And while Glasner’s leaving this summer, he could find a rousing new forward in Ben Casey, with the 17-year-old’s performances already suggesting that he has what it takes to make his mark for the first team.
Crystal Palace – Record Scorers (Premier League)
Player
Apps
Goals
Wilfried Zaha
291
68
Jean-Philippe Mateta
153
46
Cristian Benteke
162
35
Eberechi Eze
147
34
Luka Milivojevic
183
28
Already with two senior appearances to his name (in the FA Cup and Conference League), Casey has also been named on the substitute’s bench twice in the Premier League.
In the U18 Premier League, the versatile forward has scored 12 goals and supplied three assists from just ten outings. He has also bagged three goals from as many games in the FA Youth Cup.
Praised for his “terrifyingly good” movement and “unstoppable” attacking quality at youth level by journalist Bence Bocsak, Casey has all the attributes to thrive at the highest level – and he has the confidence to match.
With such flair and swagger, Casey truly could become the club’s new Zaha, whose technical ability was supported by unflappable confidence.
Moreover, an increased role over the business months of 2025/26 might even see him take Mateta’s place, easing the frustrations over the powerful striker’s looming departure.
Palace have always boasted talismanic figures. Guehi, while a centre-half, had a reputation to rival someone like Zaha.
Strand Larsen is an interesting attacking focal point, but he’ll need support when Mateta leaves, as is likely, at the end of the season. And in Casey, Selhurst Park could find its latest homegrown hero to spearhead the next chapter at the club.
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