According to ED, Walter Benitez is a definitive target for the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton ahead of the summer. The 32-year-old Argentine international will be a free agent as soon as his PSV Eindhoven contract expires, as the two Premier League giants are on the lookout for a new keeper to bring about competition for their respective No.1s.
Walter Benitez was an influential presence in goal for PSV Eindhoven during his three-year spell at the club. The keeper helped the side win two Eredivisie titles, with the latest one coming in last season after a dramatic late push with Ajax.
The 32-year-old Argentine international has enjoyed three fruitful seasons in Eindhoven, and while the club were eager to extend his stay, the two parties could not find an agreement. While Benitez could have continued as the club’s undisputed No.1 in the foreseeable future had he agreed a new deal, as he will enter the pool of free agents with several clubs keeping track of his situation.
Crystal Palace are one of the leading contenders for the 32-year-old Argentine international, as the club are looking for a new backup keeper to compete with No.1 Dean Henderson. Given how the England international performed in the most recent campaign, helping the club win the FA Cup which also represented a first-ever major trophy in the history of the team.
Palace’s No.2, Matt Turner will return to parent club Nottingham Forest, where he’s expected to leave permanently. Hence, there’s a vacancy for a new No.2, and with the Eagles set to compete in more competitions next season a quality player like Benitez would be an ideal addition.
Palace are not alone for Benitez, as Everton are also considering a move for the 32-year-old Argentine international. The Toffees are set to lose veteran Asmir Begovic and 25-year-old Joao Virginia, which makes the need to bring in a backup keeper imperative. There are links to Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper, although nothing has advanced there.
They are also angling for a move for Benitez, although the 32-year-old Argentine international is not expected to come in and displace Jordan Pickford. There’s a similar expectation at Palace, and should Benitez join Everton or the Eagles, he will find himself in competition with England’s No.1 or No.2 respectively.
