Crystal Palace 2026/27 Premier League preview: Eagles set for a tough campaign under Sage

Crystal Palace 2026/27 Premier League preview: Eagles set for a tough campaign under Sage Crystal Palace will enter the 2026/27 Premier League season with an air of uncertainty hanging over them after the most successful period in their history. Winning the FA Cup and Europa Conference League gave Palace fans memories they can cherish for a lifetime, but they may be brought back down to earth this term. Pierre Sage has been tasked with building on the foundations laid by predecessor Oliver Glasner, and that will be easier said than done. With that in mind, read on as we assess how Palace will fare in the Premier League this season. Crystal Palace Premier League fixtures 2026/27 Crystal Palace summer transfers 2026 IN:  Anan Khalaili (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, £21m), Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo, free), Takehiro Tomiyasu (free agent), Evann Guessand (Aston Villa, loan), Dwight McNeil (Everton, player swap) OUT:  Mofe Jemide (FC Alverca, £250,000), Craig Farquhar (Barnet, free), Owen Goodman (Dundee, loan), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea, undisclosed), Danny Imray (Wrexham, undisclosed), Brennan Johnson (Everton, player swap), Rio Cardines (Bristol City, loan), Tayo Adaramola (Cercle Brugge, undisclosed) (Information correct on August 20). Crystal Palace Premier League season 2026/27 preview Palace have not been big spenders during the summer transfer window, but have managed to strengthen this squad. However, several players have been linked with moves elsewhere, so the landscape could change before the deadline on September 1. Signing a new centre-back is a priority, and it is debatable whether a proposed loan move for Chelsea’s Alex Disasi will resolve the issue. Glasner repeatedly complained about his lack of options, and Sage may face similar problems if Palace fail to complete any more meaningful business. Performances and results have been underwhelming during pre-season, and the late return of players who featured in the World Cup has not helped. Sage has impressed during previous spells at Lyon and Lens, but managing in the Premier League is a completely different ball game. Hanging on to start midfielder Adam Wharton may be the difference between success and failure this season. Palace have insisted he is not for sale, despite interest from Manchester City. In fairness to Wharton, he has not angled for a move and appears to be enjoying working under a manager who is stylistically similar to Glasner. “It’s been a bit of a change,” Wharton said . “It’s the same sort of system. That’s sort of similar, but different ways of playing in-possession, out-of-possession, and different ways of training. “It’s intense. It’s been tough, which it has to be in pre-season to get you back up to fitness and match sharpness. “It’s been good with the new staff and getting to know them, their ways of going about training, analysis and everything behind the scenes – it’s a good change.” Much like several other Premier League clubs, Palace’s season will be heavily influenced by what happens between now and the end of the transfer window. If they can avoid losing key players and strengthen a couple of positions, a comfortable mid-table finish is well within reach. However, if things go the other way, Palace could easily be dragged into a relegation battle. Their fans will be desperate for some positive news over the next couple of weeks. Read more: Premier League 2026/27 season preview .