Crystal Palace recently made contact with Villarreal boss Marcelino.
It was Miguel Delaney of the Independent who claimed that the Eagles have made “overtures” towards the Spaniard as Steve Parish aims to find a replacement for Oliver Glasner.
Now – just days after that claim was made – Villarreal have interestingly announced that Marcelino will leave at the end of the season.
Who do YOU want as the next Crystal Palace boss? 🤔
Crystal Palace managerial target Marcelino opts to leave Villarreal
The timing of this news is quite intriguing.
Villarreal have now revealed that Marcelino will leave the Estadio de la Ceramica this summer, after failing to agree a new contract with the Spanish side.
Reports claimed the 60-year-old was only offered a 12-month extension.
Marcelino currently has Villarreal sitting third in La Liga and already qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the second season in a row, five points ahead of Atletico Madrid, who are involved in the semi-finals of the competition right now.
Only Barcelona and Real Madrid have won more games in La Liga this term than Villarreal, while the pair of Spanish giants are also the only clubs with a better goal difference.
Marcelino has done a superb job with The Yellow Submarine – and if he is on his way to south London, it could prove to be a fantastic appointment by Parish.
The man born in Villaviciosa would also be reuniting with Yeremy Pino if he ends up replacing Glasner.
Marcelino handed the Spain international a total of 37 appearances for Villarreal, in which the Crystal Palace No.10 managed to score four goals and provide 11 assists.
If the former Marseille boss opts against replacing Glasner, other options for Crystal Palace include Kieran McKenna – who Parish wanted in 2024 – as well as Andoni Iraola and Frank Lampard.
The aforementioned Delaney added that former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis – who left Flamengo earlier in 2026 – is under consideration as well.
