- Oliver Glasner leaves Crystal Palace this summer
- No top Premier League job available
- Bayer Leverkusen want him
Oliver Glasner insists he’s leaving Crystal Palace this summer but the job market isn’t looking promising for the Austrian. The Eagles’ greatest ever manager could bid farewell by guiding his side to a first-ever European trophy.
Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on May 27th. This will be Glasner’s last game in charge before his contract expires on June 30th.
Glasner has been a huge success at Selhurst Park, taking the South London outfit to the FA Cup trophy last season. He is one of Europe’s most highly-rated tacticians but his preference of taking a top job in the Premier League doesn’t look likely.
Leverkusen likeliest destination for Glasner
According to German outlet Sport BILD, Bayer Leverkusen have made Glasner their top choice to become the Bundesliga club’s new manager. The problem they have is that the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss wants to continue in the English top-flight and with one of its big guns.
That is becoming increasingly unlikely due to managerial appointments. Manchester United are set to confirm Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, while Chelsea have announced Xabi Alonso as theirs.
Tottenham Hotspur moved for Roberto De Zerbi in March, while Liverpool are believed to be sticking with Arne Slot. Pep Guardiola looks set to leave Manchester City, and the Citizens have already decided on Enzo Maresca succeeding him, per Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal aren’t just keeping Mikel Arteta after winning the Premier League title. They reportedly intend on offering him a pay rise to ensure he continues at the Emirates long term, per The Guardian.
That means Glasner has limited options to continue in England. It helps Leverkusen in their pursuit of the 51-year-old, although he isn’t responding to their approaches.
Should have stayed
Glasner might have made a rash decision to leave Palace when he confirmed his exit in January. Several top Premier League jobs were somewhat available, including vacancies at United and Spurs.
The Austrian now finds himself in a difficult situation, where he must either accept the Leverkusen role or wait for another club. Staying at Selhurst Park is the best option as things stand.
Glasner could lead Palace to the Conference League trophy and then oversee their first Europa League campaign. Much like Andoni Iraola departing Bournemouth, he may well look back on his decision to end his reign with some regret.
