Crystal Palace finally ended their nine-game winless run in the Premier League with a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, but Oliver Glasner’s side still have significant work to do if they are to mount another serious push for European qualification.
Despite the positive result, recent weeks have been turbulent for the Eagles, both on and off the pitch. Performances have dipped, and Glasner’s relationship with supporters has come under strain following his announcement in January that he intends to step down at the end of the season.
Uncertainty Surrounding Palace’s Long-Term Project
Glasner’s comments came at a delicate time, coinciding with major transfer developments within the squad.
Captain Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City was being finalised, while Jean-Philippe Mateta appeared close to joining AC Milan before his medical derailed the deal. Although the French striker stayed, his long-term future remains uncertain.
Mateta is still expected to leave in the summer, especially after Palace broke their transfer record to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves for £48 million.
However, he is unlikely to be the only high-profile departure.
Why Daichi Kamada Is Set to Leave
Daichi Kamada is also expected to move on at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old joined Palace in July 2024 following the expiration of his contract at Lazio, bringing experience, intelligence, and technical quality to Glasner’s midfield.
He played a key role in last season’s success, helping the club lift the FA Cup and the Community Shield. In the Premier League, Kamada contributed to Palace’s record-breaking 53-point campaign.
This season, he has adapted to a deeper midfield role, averaging 2.7 tackles per game and winning 55% of his duels, underlining his growing defensive contribution.
Contract Situation Raises Questions
Despite his importance, Kamada’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, and chairman Steve Parish has yet to open talks over an extension.
Many supporters are disappointed by this, given his popularity and consistent performances.
Having started 14 league matches this season, Kamada remains a key figure, but his likely departure means Palace must prepare for life without him.
While signing a replacement may be considered, the club could already have a ready-made solution in their squad.
Cheick Doucouré: Palace’s Forgotten Midfield Star
Crystal Palace boast several talented midfielders, with Adam Wharton widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest young passers.
However, Cheick Doucouré has quietly slipped out of the spotlight following a long spell on the sidelines.
The 26-year-old has not featured this season due to injury, and fitness problems have hampered his development since his outstanding 2022/23 campaign.
During that season, Doucouré was widely praised, with former manager Patrick Vieira describing him as “the complete holding midfielder”.
Long Road Back From Injury
Doucouré’s career has been disrupted by repeated setbacks, including major knee surgery.
Although he returned to light team training in January, he remains some distance from full match fitness and will need time to rebuild rhythm and confidence.
His Premier League appearance record highlights the impact of these injuries, with limited minutes over the past two seasons compared to his ever-present role in 2022/23.
Nevertheless, Palace remain hopeful that he can rediscover his best form.
Once a £70m-Valued Midfield Leader
At his peak, Doucouré was among the most sought-after defensive midfielders in the league.
Liverpool were interested in signing him in 2023 before eventually turning their attention to Ryan Gravenberch. At the time, Palace were reportedly demanding around £70 million for his services.
In that sense, Doucouré was Palace’s “original Wharton” a dominant, high-profile central midfielder attracting interest from elite clubs.
His influence in midfield once defined the team.
Why Doucouré Can Replace Kamada
If he returns to full fitness, Doucouré has the attributes to replace Kamada effectively.
During his standout debut season, he averaged four duels won and 2.3 tackles per match, while also completing 71% of his dribbles.
He combined physicality with technical quality, contributing three assists from a deep-lying midfield role and helping Palace control games from the centre.
That balance of defensive strength and progressive play remains exactly what the team needs.
A Potential Internal Solution for Palace
There is no guarantee that Doucouré will fully overcome his injury struggles, and Palace must approach his comeback cautiously.
However, if he can stay fit and regain momentum, he could emerge as a natural successor to Kamada.
Rather than spending heavily on a replacement, the club may already possess the solution within their own squad.
If fortune finally favours Doucouré, he could play a central role in Palace’s next phase as Kamada prepares to depart this summer.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
