Crystal Palace are currently in a unique situation as we approach the final week of the summer transfer window – with Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi under the spotlight.
Both have shared the armband for Crystal Palace when Joel Ward – who is official club captain at Selhurst Park – is not part of the starting XI, something that has become a regularity as he approaches his 35th birthday, and also due to the arrival of Daniel Munoz.
In case you missed it, Fulham are close to signing Andersen in a £30m deal, whereas Newcastle could still sign Guehi if Steve Parish’s £65m asking price is met.
So, who could become the new team captain at Crystal Palace if both Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi leave Selhurst Park? Let’s take a look at some potential candidates…
Who might inherit the armband at Crystal Palace if Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen depart
Dougie Freedman has built a very young side in his role as Director of Football at Crystal Palace, so there are not many experienced options to inherit the armband, meaning someone who has rarely held such a leadership role will have to step up.
Will Hughes
Will Hughes has previously captained England’s U21 side, and is the oldest outfield player Oliver Glasner regularly calls upon at the age of 29.
The only question mark is whether the Crystal Palace No.19 will stay in the starting XI alongside Adam Wharton, once Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure get up to speed after disrupted pre-seasons.
Dean Henderson
Dean Henderson may have only spent one season at Selhurst Park so far – following his £20m move from Manchester United in August 2023 – but he boasts strong leadership qualities.
As covered by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United fans even felt the England international was a “future captain” during his time at Old Trafford.
Additionally – like Hughes – he is also one of Glasner’s older starters at the age of 27.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Now, this might sound like a wildcard of a choice, although Jean-Philippe Mateta has thrown his hat in the ring for the Crystal Palace captaincy after his summer at the Olympic Games.
Thierry Henry made the Crystal Palace No.14 his skipper as France won silver at the Olympic Games in Paris recently, with the 27-year-old appearing to go up a level thanks to the responsibility.
Mateta impressively scored five goals in just six appearances at the Olympic Games – including a nervy last gasp penalty in the final against France – so he could have the ability to step up if both Andersen and Guehi depart.
Interestingly, contract talks between Mateta and Crystal Palace are not going well, so the captaincy could well tempt the Frenchman into signing a new deal at Selhurst Park.
