Crystal Palace confirm arrival of PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez on free transfer

New York Times

23-06-2025

Crystal Palace have confirmed an agreement to sign goalkeeper Walter Benitez as a free agent when his PSV Eindhoven contract expires this month.
The 32-year-old Argentina international, whose contract expires on June 30, is expected to provide cover for Dean Henderson and potentially compete for the No 1 spot.
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Benitez made 134 PSV appearances over three seasons, in which he helped his side to silverware in each campaign, including a dramatic title defence in 2024-25 as PSV overcame a nine-point deficit to beat Ajax to top spot.
The goalkeeper won the KNVB Cup in 2022-23 and the Johan Cruyff Shield in 2023 and 2024.
Walter Benítez is Palace.#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) June 23, 2025
Benitez previously made 188 appearances for Ligue 1 side Nice, and made his Argentina debut in March 2024 against Costa Rica. Benitez often features on the bench of his national team supporting Emiliano Martinez.
FA Cup winners Palace had been looking to recruit a third senior goalkeeper after USMNT international Matt Turner's loan ended. Remi Matthews, who has made one first-team appearance since joining the club in 2021, signed a new two-year contract earlier in June. Young goalkeeper Owen Goodman has held talks with League One side Huddersfield Town over a potential loan move.
The Athletic reported on June 10 that Ligue 1 side Lyon agreed an €8million (£6.74m) fee to sign Turner, who made four appearances for Palace on loan last season, from Nottingham Forest.
Analysis from Thom Harris
Benitez brings a wealth of experience between the sticks, a regular starter in goal for French top-flight side Nice across five seasons.
In 2018-19, he was statistically the third-best shot-stopper in Europe's big five leagues, preventing almost 13 goals based on the quality of shots he faced.
The Argentine also has European experience, starting all but one of PSV Eindhoven's Champions League games this season, while no player racked up more minutes for the Dutch side throughout their last two title-winning campaigns.
Speaking to The Athletic in 2023, Benitez stressed the importance of keeping composed under pressure. He also spoke about his distribution, outlining his comfort with the ball at his feet and ability to switch up his game based on the opposition.
The 32-year-old is a calming presence and can only serve to bolster Palace's goalkeeping depth.